DNA compaction onto hydrophobic surfaces by different cationic surfactants.
DNA compaction by alkyltrimethylammonium surfactants at hydrophobized silica surfaces and the effect of the counterion, as well as the hydrocarbon chain length, was investigated by in situ null-ellipsometry. In addition, DNA compaction in the presence of a gemini surfactant, hexyl-alpha,omega-bis(dodecyldimethylammonium bromide), was studied. The type of cationic amphiphile used was found not to have a pronounced effect on the mixed DNA-cationic surfactant adsorbed layer thickness, although the surface concentration excess for the mixed layers seemed to follow the same trend as that for DNA-free surfactant layers. Interestingly, it was also found that the stability of the mixed adsorbed layer largely depends on the cationic surfactant used.
Cárdenas
Marité
M
Center for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Physical Chemistry 1, University of Lund, P.O. Box 124, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden.
Nylander
Tommy
T
Thomas
R K
RK
Lindman
Björn
B
D000818:Animals; D002412:Cations / Q000737:chemistry*; D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry*; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D012474:Salmon; D012967:Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate / Q000737:chemistry; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000737:chemistry*
D002412:Cations; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; D013501:Surface-Active Agents; D012967:Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate; D004247:DNA