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Synthetic Condensates and Cell-Like Architectures from Amphiphilic DNA Nanostructures

Synthetic Condensates and Cell-Like Architectures from Amphiphilic DNA Nanostructures

Published on: May 31, 2024

DNA compaction by azobenzene-containing surfactant.

Yuriy Zakrevskyy¹, Alexey Kopyshev, Nino Lomadze

¹Experimental Physics, Institute of Physics and Astronomy, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Strasse 24/25, D-14476 Potsdam, Germany. yuriy.zakrevskyy@uni-potsdam.de

Physical Review. E, Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics

|September 21, 2011

Summary

Light-responsive surfactants control DNA compaction. The trans isomer compacts DNA, while the cis isomer has minimal effect, enabling reversible light-induced state changes in DNA-surfactant complexes.

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Area of Science:

Supramolecular Chemistry
Materials Science
Biophysics

Background:

Azobenzene-containing surfactants offer light-switchable properties.
DNA-surfactant interactions are crucial for gene delivery and nanomaterials.
Understanding these interactions is key to designing responsive systems.

Purpose of the Study:

Investigate the interaction between cationic azobenzene surfactants and DNA.
Elucidate the role of azobenzene photoisomerization in DNA compaction and complex stability.
Determine the phase behavior of DNA-surfactant complexes under varying conditions.

Main Methods:

Absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy
Dynamic light scattering (DLS)
Atomic force microscopy (AFM)
Phase diagram construction

Main Results:

Azobenzene photoisomerization (trans-cis) reversibly alters surfactant hydrophilicity.
The trans isomer significantly drives DNA compaction.
The cis isomer has a minor influence on DNA coil conformation.
A phase diagram revealed three distinct phases: stable compacted globules, unstable globules, and extended coils.
A critical DNA concentration was identified, above which surfactant addition prevents aggregation.

Conclusions:

Cationic azobenzene surfactants can be light-controlled to modulate DNA compaction and colloidal stability.
The trans isomer is essential for DNA compaction, while the cis isomer offers reversibility.
Phase behavior dictates the colloidal state of DNA-surfactant complexes, allowing for light-controlled transitions between compacted and extended states.