Phenomena of counterion binding, polyion complexation and polyion condensation

Abstract

The article handles some aspects of polyelectrolyte research investigated during the last ten years at the university of Osnabruck. They are: counterion binding, polyion complexation, and polyion condensation. Fundamental features are presented that are common to the behaviour of most polyions. Another intention is to bridge a gap between synthetic and biological polyelectrolyte research. For this purpose, DNA condensation is reviewed in some detail.