Structural and spectroscopic studies on the formation of lipoplexes between DNA and cationic gemini surfactants

Abstract

The process of complex formation between cationic gemini surfactants, 3,3′-[α,Ω-(dioxaalkane)]bis(1-dodecylimidazolium) dichloride, with deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was studied. The study was performed for ten surfactants having spacer groups of different lengths used in 6 concentrations (5 mM, 2 mM, 1 mM, 0.5 mM, 0.2 mM, 0.1 mM) and a 6.5 μM DNA solution. The complex formation was verified by circular dichroism spectroscopy and gel electrophoresis. The complexes were found to be stable and the process of complex formation was reproducible, efficient and immediate.