SELF-ASSEMBLY OF DNA-POLYMER COMPLEXES USING TEMPLATE POLYMERIZATION

The self-assembly of supramolecular complexes of nucleic acids and pol ymers is of relevance to several biological processes including viral and chromatin formation as well as gene therapy vector design. We now show that template polymerization facilitates condensation of DNA into particles that are <150 nm in diameter. Inclusion of a poly(ethylene glycol)-containing monomer prevents aggregation of these particles. Th e DNA within the particles remains biologically active and can express foreign genes in cells. The formation or breakage of covalent bonds h as until now not been employed to compact DNA into artificial particle s.