ABSTRACT
Interaction between macroions of opposite charge is a recurring concept in biological self-assembly (Holm et al. 2001). Examples include complexation of DNA with histone proteins inside cell nuclei (Darnell et al. 1990), protamine-induced DNA condensation inside sperm heads (Bloom™eld 1996; Podgornik et al. 1998; Strey et al. 1998), and the formation of arterial plaque-a complex between positively charged low-density lipoprotein and negatively charged polysaccharides (Camejo et al. 1985; Camejo et al. 1993). Over the last few years great strides have been made to understand polyelectrolyte-mediated interaction between like-charged objects. —e corresponding experimental and theoretical eŸorts were recently reviewed by Cleasson and Podgornik (Claesson et al. 2005; Podgornik and Licer 2006).
