Dynamic self-assembly of DNA minor groove-binding ligand DB921 into nanotubes triggered by an alkali halide.

ABSTRACT: We describe a novel self-assembling supramolecular nanotube system formed by a heterocyclic cationic molecule which was originally designed for its potential as an antiparasitic and DNA sequence recognition agent. Our structural characterisation work indicates that the nanotubes form via a hierarchical assembly mechanism that can be triggered and tuned by well-defined concentrations of simple alkali halide salts in water. The nanotubes assembled in NaCl have inner and outer diameters of ca. 22 nm and 26 nm respectively, with lengths that reach into several microns. Our results suggest the tubes consist of DB921 molecules stacked along the direction of the nanotube long axis. The tubes are stabilised by face-to-face π-π stacking and ionic interactions between the charged amidinium groups of

SUBMITTER: Mizuta R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5885265 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature