Title
Controlled DNA interpolyelectrolyte complex formation or dissociation via stimuli-responsive poly(vinylamine-co-N-vinylisobutylamide)
Author
Wanpen Tachaboonyakiat, Hiroharu Ajiro, Mitsuru Akashi
Year
2016
Journal
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
Abstract
Poly(vinylamine-co-N-vinylisobutylamide) or poly(VAm-co-NVIBA) was evaluated for its ability to stabilize double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) with the controlled formation or dissociation of polyion complexes. The poly(VAm-co-NVIBA) copolymer consists of the cationic poly(vinylamine) (VAm) that electrostatically binds to the anionic DNA and the thermally responsive poly(N-isobutylamide) (NVIBA) that helps limit the strength of the electrostatic interaction and prevents the alteration of the DNA helical structure. Agarose gel electrophoresis showed the successful complexation between dsDNA and poly(VAm-co-NVIBA). Moreover, DNA was released from the complex at 65 °C, but not at 25 °C. Thus, the NVIBA component in the copolymer played an important role in controlling the process of complex formation or dissociation according to the pH and temperature. The results showed that the molecular design of polycations with a thermoresponsive part is a potential strategy to allow the controllable formation and dissociation of the copolymer/dsDNA complex while avoiding changes to the DNA helical structure.
Instrument
J-725
Keywords
Circular dichroism, DNA structure, Ligand binding, Polymers, Biochemistry