title: Cyclodextrins in DNA decompaction.
abstract: Individual T4DNA molecules, previously compacted by using a cationic surfactant (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, CTAB), were successfully decompacted by the addition of an appropriate concentration of either alpha-cyclodextrin or beta-cyclodextrin (alpha-CD and beta-CD, respectively) due to the formation of inclusion complexes with the surfactant. The process was shown to be a non first-order transition from globules to coils. Density and sound velocity measurements as well as steady state fluorescence spectroscopy have confirmed the approximate CD concentration at which the globule-to-coil transition occurs. Phase maps of the DNA-CTA-CD systems were produced and the CTAB concentration range at which decompaction can be achieved was determined. Evidences for DNA-CD interaction were found, however, its nature and influence on the decompaction process was not yet determined.
authors.affiliation: Physical Chemistry, Center for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lund University, Lund, Sweden. alfredo@memphys.sdu.dk
authors.forename: Alfredo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: González-Pérez
authors.forename: Jonas
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Carlstedt
authors.forename: Rita S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Dias
authors.forename: Björn
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Lindman
mesh_terms: D002942:Circular Dichroism; D003505:Cyclodextrins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004247:DNA / Q000187:drug effects*; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force; D015394:Molecular Structure; D009690:Nucleic Acid Conformation / Q000187:drug effects*; D012997:Solvents / Q000737:chemistry; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D003505:Cyclodextrins; D012997:Solvents; D013501:Surface-Active Agents; D004247:DNA