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

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 poly-ethylene 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.

Automated summary

Stable cell-sized droplets entrapping DNA molecules are generated through micro segregation. Measurements of electrification and Zeta potentials confirmed the presence of negatively charged droplets trapping the DNA.