Complexation of DNA with Cationic Surfactant
arXiv:cond-mat/9904447 · doi:10.1016/S0378-4371(99)00184-3
Abstract
Transfection of an anionic polynucleotide through a negatively charged membrane is an important problem in genetic engineering. The direct association of cationic surfactant to DNA decreases the effective negative charge of the nucleic acid, allowing the DNA-surfactant complex to approach a negatively charged membrane. The paper develops a theory for solutions composed of polyelectrolyte, salt, and ionic surfactant. The theoretical predictions are compared with the experimental measurements.
9 pages, 3 figures