Transfection is the process of introducing foreign nucleic acids, such as DNA, RNA, or oligonucleotides, into cells. This technique is widely used in molecular biology, biotechnology, and biomedical research for various purposes, including gene expression studies, functional genomics, protein production, and gene therapy.
Transfection methods can be broadly categorized into several main approaches:
Chemical Transfection
- Calcium Phosphate Transfection: This was one of the earliest methods used for transfection. Cells are typically treated with a calcium phosphate-DNA precipitate, which is taken up by endocytosis.
- Liposome-Mediated Transfection: Liposomes are lipid-based vesicles that can encapsulate and deliver nucleic acids into cells. Liposome-DNA complexes fuse with the cell membrane, releasing the DNA into the cytoplasm. Commercially available lipid-based transfection reagents are commonly used for this purpose.
- Polyethyleneimine (PEI): PEI is a cationic polymer that forms complexes with negatively charged nucleic acids, facilitating their entry into cells. PEI-DNA complexes can be taken up by cells via endocytosis and subsequently release the DNA into the cytoplasm.
Physical and Non-Chemical Transfection Methods
- Electroporation
In electroporation, cells are exposed to brief but strong electrical pulses that create temporary pores in the cell membrane, allowing the entry of nucleic acids as well as other molecules. This method is particularly effective for hard-to-transfect cell types but it is expensive because of high equipment costs and the need for a high-level of knowledge in operating said kit. The equipment is not readily available either.
In this method the cells and DNA are mixed together and placed into a cuvette between two electrode plates. So, a high DC voltage (500+ V) applied as a pulse. The DNA molecules ‘jump’ sideways into the cells because of their negative charge. Almost every cell treated this way is affected – the transfection rate is 80 to 90%. A square waveform works better than an exponential decay waveform for animal cells, the opposite is true for bacterial cells.
The process is optimised by exploring pulse length, voltage levels and types of waveform – these conditions are different for every cell type. In fact, it is surprising that individual kit types are needed for each cell type. It’s not a method either for large-scale transfection and practitioners recommend it for single small-scale experimentation. I’ve used it a couple of times and cells are easily killed. It’s also very sensitive to the presence of salt because it forms a current which causes the cells to lyse and breakup.
If the methodology is practiced and the appropriate conditions are chosen then transfection is efficient and produces stable transfected cells. The main issue is the expense of the kit along with the cuvettes used and then cleaning it properly. It can only work if the technique is practised and plenty of effort is spent optimizing conditions. It’s not a successful technology for adherent cells.
- Gene Gun/Biolistic Particle Delivery: In this approach, DNA-coated microprojectiles (such as gold or tungsten particles) are propelled at high velocity into target cells using a gene gun. The DNA is delivered directly into the cell nucleus.
- Microinjection: This method involves using a fine needle to directly inject nucleic acids into individual cells. It is highly precise but labor-intensive and typically used for specialized applications or difficult-to-transfect cells.
Viral Transduction
Viral vectors: Viral vectors derived from naturally occurring viruses (e.g., lentivirus, adenovirus, adeno-associated virus) are engineered to carry and deliver exogenous DNA into target cells. Viral transduction can be highly efficient and is often used in gene therapy and gene delivery applications.
Each transfection method has its advantages and limitations in terms of efficiency, cytotoxicity, ease of use, and applicability to different cell types and experimental requirements. Researchers choose the most suitable method based on factors such as the cell type, desired level of transfection efficiency, toxicity concerns, and the specific application of interest. Additionally, ongoing research and technological advancements continue to improve existing transfection methods and develop novel approaches for more efficient and precise nucleic acid delivery into cells.
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