DNA-SURFACTANT COMPLEXES SOLUBLE IN LOW-P OLARITY ORGANIC LIQUIDS

A linear high-molecular-mass DNA can dissolve in non-aqueous low-polar ity organic solvents by forming complexes between DNA and cationic sur factants. The data of high-rate sedimentation, UV spectrometric, and c ircular dichroism measurements show that the DNA complexes with cetylt rimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and distearyldimethylammonium chloride (DSDAC) in chloroform, heptane, and cyclohexane are individual compou nds with a 1 : 1 stoichiometry. The DNA molecules passing to the organ ic phase retain a double-stranded helix conformation. Stability of a s toichiometric complex between DNA (300-500 bp) and DSDAC was studied i n an aqueous medium. It was demonstrated that this complex can be tran sferred through a water-chloroform and 0.5 M aqueous NaCl-chloroform p hase boundaries.