Figure 1.

DNA survival during nebulization as a function of DNA length. (a) Representative gels of DNA vectors subjected to nebulization as sampled from the reservoir. (b) Graphical representation of DNA shearing as a function of length (averaged for at least three separate experiments). The curves represent the fit to a sigmoidal function (Supplementary Table 1). Minivectors ⩽1243 bp were not fitted because after 30 min the intact DNA did not decrease. Nebulization survival times were determined for each DNA vector. (c) The time at which 50% of the vector survived (Survival₅₀). Each Survival₅₀ value is the mean from at least three separate experiments. Error bars represent the standard deviation. The arrows denote Survival₅₀ of the two plasmids, pDJC1 and pQR499, that were propagated in LZ54. Minivectors are represented by open circles and plasmids are shown as closed circles. The inset shows Survival₉₀ values, which is the time at which 90% of vectors remained.