Controlled recovery of the transcription of nanoparticle-bound DNA by intracellular concentrations of glutathione.

Positively charged trimethylammonium-functionalized mixed monolayer protected clusters (MMPCs) bind DNA through complementary electrostatic interactions, resulting in complete inhibition of DNA transcription of T7 RNA polymerase. DNA was released from the nanoparticle by intracellular concentrations of glutathione, resulting in efficient transcription. The restoration of RNA production was dose-dependent in terms of GSH, with considerable control of the release process possible through variation in monolayer structure. This work presents a new approach to controlled release of DNA, with potential applications in the creation of transfection vectors and gene regulation systems.