Intercalation interactions between dsDNA and acridine studied by single molecule force spectroscopy

Langmuir. 2007 Aug 28;23(18):9140-2. doi: 10.1021/la7013804. Epub 2007 Aug 3.

Abstract

In this letter, we report on the direct measurement of the intercalation interactions between acridine and double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) using single molecule force spectroscopy. The interaction between acridine and dsDNA is broken by force of 36 pN at a loading rate of 5.0 nN/s. The most probable rupture force between acridine and dsDNA is dependent on the loading rate, indicating that the binding of acridine and dsDNA is a dynamic process. The combination of SMFS experimental data with the theoretical model clearly suggests the presence of two energy barriers along with an unbinding trajectory of acridine-dsDNA.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acridines / chemistry*
  • DNA / chemistry*
  • Intercalating Agents / chemistry*
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force
  • Molecular Structure
  • Spectrum Analysis

Substances

  • Acridines
  • Intercalating Agents
  • DNA