The shape of nanoparticles has been identified as an important factor in their transport, cellular uptake, and transfection efficiency in gene delivery applications. Recent experiments have demonstrated that exquisite shape control can indeed be achieved for complexes of plasmid DNA and polyethylene glycol (PEG)�polycation copolymers. Via molecular dynamics simulations we elucidate the mechanism underlying the observed shape variation of these nanoparticles and demonstrate how it arises from a competition between DNA�solvent interactions, DNA bending rigidity, and entropy of the PEG blocks. We identify the role of the various experimentally accessible parameters and confirm our predictions via direct comparison to experimental observations. Thus, new avenues are opened for targeted delivery of plasmid DNA.

Shape control of condensed DNA-block copolymer nanoparticles

244th National Meeting (2012)

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