COLL 1 |
| Gerard C. L. Wong, Materials Science & Engineering Dept. and Physics Dept, Materials Science & Engineering Dept. and Physics Dept, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1304 W. Green St., Urbana, IL 61801 |
| We describe the structure and interactions of a novel class of biomolecular self-assembly, in which charged macroions of varying complexity are collectively organized through the interplay of electrostatics and entropy. These interactions are quite general, since all nucleic acids, all cell membranes, as well as most proteins and sugars are charged. The macroions which self-assemble are frequently oppositely-charged, but in contrast to intuition, they can be like-charged as well. We will focus the discussion specifically on our recent work on interactions between charged biopolymers and charged membranes. Early examples include colloidal complexes of anionic DNA and cationic lipids for non-viral gene therapy. We have examined the ‘design rules’ of such complexes by investigating other forms of anionic biopolymer-cationic membrane assembly comprised of biopolymers of different charge, flexibility, and radii. We will also describe novel mesophases of complexes formed from anionic biopolymers and anionic membranes, mediated through multivalent ions. Potential applications of these self-assembled systems outside of gene therapy, from nanofabrication to cystic fibrosis, will be discussed. |
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Bio-Colloids
8:30 AM-11:30 AM, Sunday, March 28, 2004 Marriott -- Grand Ballroom J, Oral
Division of Colloid and Surface Chemistry |