DNA complexes with synthetic polycations used as gene vectors

The phenomenon of DNA packaging in solution induced by the formation of its complexes with polycations is used for creation of the gene vectors applied for transference of a genetic material into target cells. The structure and physical and chemical properties of high-molecular genomic DNA complexes with synthetic polymers were studied by the methods of UV spectroscopy, circular dichroism, viscometry, dynamic light scattering, atomic force microscopy, flow birefringence. Polyallylamine (PAA), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and allylamine P(VP-AA) were used. It was shown, that at certain ratio of DNA and polycation charged groups in a solution the DNA packaging with formation of discrete small particles with the diameter of 100 nm is observed. DNA in complexes is strongly protected from attack of biologically active ligands (authors)