Cryo-TEM studies of DNA and DNA-lipid structures

Studies published between 2001 and 2005 that utilise cryogenic transmission electron microscopy as a tool for investigating solutions containing DNA with or without amphiphiles present are reviewed. DNA or oligonucleotides form complexes with amphiphilic molecules such as lipids, so-called lipoplexes, and the structures and morphologies are excellent objects to study by cryogenic transmission electron microscopy. Recent studies show that this technique is in effective tool for identification of a range of structures such as unilamellar or multilamellar vesicles or dispersed liquid crystalline phases. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved