Nucleic acids are a special class of negatively charged polymers, and they can complex with cationic small molecules and polymers to form polyelectrolyte complexes of rich morphology. The initial application focuses on gene delivery and typically involves the complexation of DNA with cationic surfactants and homopolymers. Recent research progress has extended to the complexation of nucleic acids with cationic block copolymers and ionic liquids, leading to the observation of unique morphology and stability characteristics and opening up opportunities for new application development. In this perspective article, we review the current understanding on the complexation behavior of nucleic acids with cationic species. We begin by discussing the phase behavior of DNA complexation with cationic surfactants and homopolymers. We then cover the more recent topic of nucleic acids interaction with cationic block copolymers and present the morphology and stability of complex micelles formed using both amphiphilic and hydrophilic block catiomers. Lastly, we examine DNA binding to ionic liquids and introduce new material applications involving ionic liquid stabilized DNA. We conclude the perspective by discussing a number of remaining challenges and future research topics in this exciting field.

中文翻译：

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基于核酸的聚电解质复合物：它们的络合机制、形态和稳定性

核酸是一类特殊的带负电荷的聚合物，它们可以与阳离子小分子和聚合物复合，形成形态丰富的聚电解质复合物。最初的应用侧重于基因传递，通常涉及 DNA 与阳离子表面活性剂和均聚物的复合。最近的研究进展已扩展到核酸与阳离子嵌段共聚物和离子液体的络合，导致观察到独特的形态和稳定性特征，并为新的应用开发开辟了机会。在这篇透视文章中，我们回顾了当前对核酸与阳离子物质络合行为的理解。我们首先讨论 DNA 与阳离子表面活性剂和均聚物复合的相行为。然后，我们介绍了核酸与阳离子嵌段共聚物相互作用的最新主题，并介绍了使用两亲性和亲水性嵌段共聚物形成的复杂胶束的形态和稳定性。最后，我们研究了 DNA 与离子液体的结合，并介绍了涉及离子液体稳定 DNA 的新材料应用。我们通过讨论这个令人兴奋的领域中的一些剩余挑战和未来研究课题来总结观点。