N,N′-Methylenediimidazolium Salts: From Self-Assembly to an Efficient DNAse Protection System

We have developed N,N′‐dialkylmethylenediimidazolium salts ([CnCnDIM][X]2) that self‐organize into multilayered cationic vesicles and can interact with DNA. These preorganized systems form complexes with linear DNA and protect it from DNase I cleavage. All together now! N,N′‐Dialkylmethylenediimidazolium salts were synthesized and showed self‐organization into multilayer vesicles. These vesicles exhibit hydrodynamic diameters that vary according to the alkyl chain length or the nature of the anion. In addition, linear double‐stranded (ds) DNA can be entrapped within the vesicles bilayer and can be protected towards enzymatic cleavage (see figure).