Stabilization of DNA-encapsulating Droplets through Negative Charge at the Droplet Interface

Abstract

It was found that stable cell-sized droplets entrapping DNA molecules are spontaneously generated through micro segregation. To clarify the mechanism, we performed measurements of the electrification by adapting a polymer solution with polyethylene glycol/dextran. We determined the Donnan potential for macroscopic phase segregation in both the presence and absence of DNA, together with the measurements of Zeta potentials of the microphase solution with number of small droplets. We confirmed that the droplets entrapping DNA are negatively charged. Stable cell-sized droplets entrapping DNA are spontaneously generated through micro segregation of polyethylene glycol/dextran solution. To clarify the mechanism, we determined the Donnan potential for macroscopic phase segregation in both with and without DNA, together with the Zeta potential measurements of the microphase solution with number of small droplets. We confirmed that the DNA-encapsulating droplets are negatively charged.