Stable DNA aggregation by removal of counterions

Negatively charged DNA can form extremely stable complexes with positively charged ions. These counterions are very difficult to remove from DNA; therefore, little is known about DNA behavior in their deficiency. We investigated whether removal of counterions from the strongly bound counterion layer would elicit any novel DNA properties or behaviors. In order to remove the tightly bound counterions, we used dialysis against deionized water in the presence of a strong (0.6 kV/cm) electric field. The electric field promoted the dissociation of the DNA-counterion complexes, while dialysis facilitated irreversible partitioning of counterions and DNA. Counterintuitively, when deprived of counterions, DNA precipitated from the solution into amorphous aggregates. The aggregates remained stable even when the electric field was turned off but readily redissolved when counterions were reintroduced. The phenomenon is likely explained by attraction of like-charged DNA polyions due to entropic-stabilization of condensed counterion layers.