Controlled Sequestration of DNA Intercalated Drug by Polymer-Surfactant Supramolecular Assemblies

Triblock copolymer and surfactant based supramolecular assemblies have been used for the controlled sequestration of the DNA intercalator. The triblock copolymer micelles do not affect the molecules that are intercalated in the DNA. However, on addition of charged surfactant to the triblock copolymer micellar solution, sequestration of the intercalated molecules from DNA to the polymer-surfactant supramolecular assemblies takes place. Such sequestration of the intercalated molecules in the polymer-surfactant supramolecular assemblies has been explained on the basis of the charged surface formed in the polymer micelles due to the addition of surfactants. Sequestration of the intercalated molecules from the DNA to the polymer-surfactant supramolecular assemblies has been monitored through the ground state absorption, steady state, and time-resolved emission measurements. It is shown that the extent of sequestration of the intercalated molecules can be finely tuned by tuning the concentration of the surfactant in the triblock copolymer solution. Quantitative sequestration of the intercalated molecules by the supramolecular assemblies has been achieved. Such controlled sequestration of the DNA intercalated molecules by polymer-surfactant supramolecular assemblies can be used to study the binding of drug with DNA and may be useful in applications like detoxification in the case of drug overdose.