Complexation of DNA with cationic surfactant

Transfection of an anionic polynucleotide through a negatively charged memb rane is an important problem in genetic engineering. The direct association of cationic surfactant to DNA decreases the effective negative charge of t he nucleic acid, allowing the DNA-surfactant complex to approach a negative ly charged membrane. The paper develops a theory for solutions composed of polyelectrolyte, salt, and ionic surfactant. The theoretical predictions ar e compared with the experimental measurements. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B. V. All rights reserved.