Investigation of DNA condensing properties of amphiphilic triblock cationic polymers by atomic force microscopy

Langmuir. 2010 Nov 16;26(22):17552-7. doi: 10.1021/la103066c. Epub 2010 Oct 7.

Abstract

Introduction of nucleic acids into cells is an important biotechnology research field which also holds great promise for therapeutic applications. One of the key steps in the gene delivery process is compaction of DNA into nanometric particles. The study of DNA condensing properties of three linear cationic triblock copolymers poly(ethylenimine-b-propylene glycol-b-ethylenimine), namely, LPEI(50)-PPG(36)-LPEI(50), LPEI(19)-PPG(36)-LPEI(19), and LPEI(14)-PPG(68)-LPEI(14), indicates that proper DNA condensation is driven by both the charge and the size of the respective cationic hydrophilic linear polyethylenimine (LPEI) and neutral hydrophobic poly(propylene glycol) (PPG) parts. Atomic force microscopy was used to investigate the interactions of the triblock copolymers with plasmid DNA at the single molecule level and to enlighten the mechanism involved in DNA condensation.

MeSH terms

  • DNA / chemistry*
  • DNA / metabolism
  • Hep G2 Cells
  • Humans
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions*
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Polymers / metabolism
  • Polymers / pharmacology*
  • Solutions
  • Transfection

Substances

  • Polymers
  • Solutions
  • DNA