Molecular Insights into the Binding of Linear Polyethylenimines and Single-Stranded DNA Using Raman Spectroscopy: A Quantitative Approach.

ABSTRACT: Establishing how polymeric vectors such as polyethylenimine (PEI) bind and package their nucleic acid cargo is vital toward developing more efficacious and cost-effective gene therapies. To develop a molecular-level picture of DNA binding, we examined how the Raman spectra of PEIs report on their local chemical environment. We find that the intense Raman bands located in the 1400-1500 cm^-1 region derive from vibrations with significant CH₂ scissoring and NH bending character. The Raman bands that derive from these vibrations show profound intensity changes that depend on both the local dielectric environment and hydrogen bonding interactions with the secondary amine groups on the polymer. We use these bands as spectroscopic markers to assess the binding between low mo

SUBMITTER: Mustafa R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10413332 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature