Self-assembly between DNA and anionic membranes

ORAL

Abstract

The self-assembly between anionic membranes and anionic polyelectrolytes has been investigated using synchrotron small angle x-ray scattering and confocal microscopy. Like-charged DNA rods and lipid membranes can condense into complexes with a rich polymorphism of structures in the presence of divalent cations, since cations can in principle generate attractions between rods and membranes, membranes and membranes, and rods and rods. The structures of these complexes have been examined as a function of the charge membrane charge density and the global counterion concentration. Lamellar and inverted hexagonal phases can be formed, as can phases with no direct analog in DNA-cationic membrane systems. The competition between electrostatic and membrane elastic properties in the determination of phase stability will be discussed.

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Authors

  • Hongjun Liang

    • Dept. of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
    • Department of Materials Science \& Engineering, University of Illinois

  • Daniel Harries

    • National Institutes of Health

  • Gerard C. L. Wong

    • Dept. of Materials Science and Engineering, Physics and Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
    • Department of Materials Science \& Engineering, Department of Physics, Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
    • Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Department of Physics, Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
    • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
    • Department of Materials Science \& Engineering, Department of Physics, Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois