ABSTRACT
The interest in DNA–cosolute interactions and DNA condensation is growing rapidly. DNA condensation or compaction can be induced by a variety of processes and agents such as multivalent ions, solvents with low dielectric constants, cationic surfactants, and polymers and even high concentrations of neutral polymers and surfactants. Double-stranded DNA is a highly charged polyelectrolyte and, therefore, associates strongly with any oppositely charged cosolute, from simple ions to polymers, proteins, surfactants, lipids, and particles. The effect of the surfactant’s chain length on the interaction with DNA has attracted researchers’ interest from the beginning. The structure that the DNA–surfactant complexes will adopt depends mostly on the surfactant that is used, although the conformation and length of the DNA can be of importance in some particular cases. A general understanding of DNA–surfactant interactions, and in particular the phase behavior, gives a basis for developing novel DNA-based materials, including particles, gels, and membranes.
