Fluorescence anisotropy studies on the Hoechst 33258-DNA interaction: the solvent effect.

Fluorescence anisotropy method was applied to characterize the interactions of DNA minor groove binder Hoechst 33258 with different solvents without and in the presence of DNA. It is important to study the interaction of small molecules with DNA for the purpose of better understanding the mechanism of their action, as well as to design novel and more effective compounds. Spectroscopic study of the ligand in different binary mixed solvents containing DMSO, alcohols and buffer was carried out.

Effect of diethylsulfoxide on the thermal denaturation of DNA.

DNA thermal denaturation has been investigated in aqueous solutions of diethylsulfoxide (DESO) by means of UV-vis and densimetry methods. It is suggested that, on the one hand, the structural change of entire solutions and, on the other hand, a direct interaction of DESO with DNA are responsible for the observed peculiar behavior. The results obtained were compared with those of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), also known from literature.