Electric field-mediated DNA encapsulation into large liposomes.
Large, ethidium bromide-loaded liposomes electrically pulsed in the presence of externally added DNA display the bright fluorescence of DNA-ethidium bromide complexes. Sonication of these liposomes increases the fluorescence of trapped DNA-ethidium bromide complexes by no more than about 40%. These results are thus in agreement with a mechanism involving electropores for DNA uptake but do not support an alternative mechanism, invoking invagination and pinching-off of the lipid bilayer, through which internalized DNA is shielded from the liposome contents.
Lurquin
P F
PF
School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington Sate University, Pullman, Washington, 99164-4234, USA. Lurquin@wsu.edu
Athanasiou
K
K
D015060:1,2-Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine; D002214:Capsules; D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry*; D004563:Electrochemistry / Q000379:methods; D004996:Ethidium / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000737:chemistry; D008051:Lipid Bilayers
D002214:Capsules; D008051:Lipid Bilayers; C052890:ethidium-DNA complex; D015060:1,2-Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine; D004247:DNA; D004996:Ethidium