Lipopolythioureas (LPT) are original non cationic systems representing an alternative to cationic lipids. Their high transfection efficiency prompted us to investigate further their biophysical properties, and in particular how thiourea lipids interact with DNA. The interaction of lipopolythiourea with DNA was investigated by fluorescence correlation microscopy (FCS). Influence of the lipid length and nature of the thiourea head on the thiourea/DNA interaction were studied. FCS revealed a strong interaction between lipopolythiourea and DNA, occurring at 1 equivalent of a thiourea lipid by a DNA phosphate group, and leading to a condensed plasmid state. From previous in vitro experiments, we could conclude that the lipid leading to the more condensed state of DNA was also the more efficient to transfect cells.
BACKGROUND: Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) can be used for the determination of diffusion coefficients of single molecules. Since diffusion coefficients are correlated with size and shape of the labeled species, FCS provides information on conformational changes in plasmids aggregates. METHODS: A 10-kbp plasmid stained with PicoGreen was condensed by spermine or liposomes formulated from cationic lipid and egg phosphatidylcholine. RESULTS: The diffusion coefficient of DNA increases from 1.0 x 10(-12) m2/s to 3.2 x 10(-12) m2/s by the addition of spermine, whereas the addition of cationic liposomes leads to complexes characterized by diffusion coefficients with values ranging from 1.7 to 1.9 x 10(-12) m2/s. CONCLUSIONS: FCS experiments allow determining the diffusion coefficients of DNA-containing aggregates which provide information regarding the topology and homogeneity of the aggregate.
