Condensation transition in DNA-polyaminoamide dendrimer fibers studied using optical tweezers

Phys Rev Lett. 2006 Mar 24;96(11):118301. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.96.118301. Epub 2006 Mar 22.

Abstract

When mixed together, DNA and polyaminoamide dendrimers form fibers that condense into a compact structure. We use optical tweezers to pull condensed fibers and investigate the decondensation transition by measuring force-extension curves (FECs). A characteristic force plateau (around 10 pN) and hysteresis between the pulling and relaxation cycles are observed for different dendrimer sizes, indicating the existence of a first-order transition between two phases (condensed and extended) of the fiber. Upon salt variation FECs change noticeably confirming that electrostatic forces drive the condensation transition. We propose a simple model for the decondensing transition that qualitatively reproduces the FECs and which is confirmed by atomic force microscopy images.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Bacteriophage lambda / chemistry
  • Computer Simulation
  • DNA, Viral / chemistry*
  • Dendrimers / chemistry*
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force
  • Models, Chemical
  • Phase Transition
  • Polyamines / chemistry*

Substances

  • DNA, Viral
  • Dendrimers
  • PAMAM Starburst
  • Polyamines