Effect of saltss on the entrapment of calf thymus DNA into liposomes

To correlate the conformational changes of DNA (Calf Thymus) with entrapment of DNA into liposomes, the effect of ions ($Na^+$, $Mg^{++}$on the entrapment of calf thymus DNA into liposomes was investigated. The effect of divalent ion ($Mg^{++}$ on the structural changes of DNA indicated by decrease of observed ellipticity at 274 nm and nonspecific binding of DNA to lipid bilayers was greater than monovalent ion ($\Na^+$). But the efficiency of DNA encapsulated was not altered. These results show that entrapment of DNA into liposomes is not due to nonspecific binding and structural changes because of electrostatic forces but to mechanical capture of DNA by the internal aqueous space of liposomes although divalent ion contributes large structural changes and more nonspecific association of DNA with liposomes due to strong charges.