Interaction of cationic bilayer fragments with a model oligonucleotide

► Oligonucleotide induced fusion of cationic bilayer fragments. ► Mononucleotide did not induce fusion of bilayer fragments. ► Charge neutralization of fragments by oligonucleotide caused extensive aggregation. ► Increasing oligonucleotide concentration restabilized fragments/oligonucleotide assemblies. ► Oligonucleotide adsorption increased bilayer packing due to BF fusion.