Observation of DNA–polymer condensate formation in real time at a molecular level

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Abstract
Dynamic real time assembly of toroidal and rod‐like DNA condensates has been visualised using atomic force microscopy. Imaging has been conducted in an aqueous environment allowing the visualisation of hydrated, pegylated‐polymer DNA condensates undergoing dynamic structural movement and conformational change. A major hurdle in the field of gene delivery is cellular transfection and the subsequent transfer of condensed genetic material to the cell nucleus. An increased understanding of the process of DNA condensation will aid the development and optimisation of gene delivery vectors.