Phenomena of counterion binding, polyion complexation and polyion condensation

The article handles some aspects of polyelectrolyte research investigated during the last ten years at the university of Osnabrück. 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.