Abstract
The self-assembly of supramolecular complexes between DNA and lipophilic vitamins, e.g. vitamin D group was examined, in the absence and presence of different cations, to the first time. A novel method for preparing DNA-lipophilic vitamins nanostructured complexes in the existence of divalent cations is introduced. The nanostructure of the supramolecular complexes ranged from beads-on-strings to compact globules and liquid crystalline forms depending on the vitamin nature, cations concentration and incubation time. A nucleation mechanism and flower-like aggregates are proposed as an initial state for complex formation. The biomedical applications of the functional nanostructured supramolecular complexes will be discussed in details.