ABSTRACT
Assembling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 4.3 Counterion Condensation on Polyions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 4.4 Properties of Polyion Complexes (Interpolyelectrolyte Complexes) . . . . . .71 4.5 Effect of Counterion Condensation on Polyion Complex Formation . . . . . .73 4.6 Use of Polyion Complex to Promote Nucleic Acid Hybrid Formation . . . . .77 4.7 Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80 References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
The electrostatic interaction involves ions, dipoles, and induced dipoles. Electrostatic interactions together with hydrophobic and hydrogen bonding interactions play pivotal roles in folding and molecular recognition of natural biomolecules. Even weak electrostatic interactions such as dipole/dipole and dipole/induced dipole interactions significantly contribute to these processes when overall contact area between the groups is considerable. The electrostatic interactions seen in the supramolecular formation and functional generation of natural biomolecules can offer guidance for the artificial design of biomaterials. Electrostatic interactions should be considered also when artificial biomaterials come in contact with natural biomolecules or biological systems.
