Magnet assisted transfection (MATra) is a new, easy-to-handle and highly efficient method to transfect cells in culture. Using this new technique, nucleic acids, such as plasmid DNA, oligonucleotides, or siRNA, are in a first step associated with magnetic particles. Exploiting magnetic force, the full nucleic acid dose is then rapidly drawn toward and delivered into the target cells leading to efficient transfection. For MATra, cells must adhere to the bottom of the culture vessels, which makes special precautions necessary for suspension cells. Three different procedures according to different initial situations can be followed to apply MATra:
MATra for adherent cells. In this case, the nucleic acid has to be combined to the MATra-A (plasmid DNA) or MATra-si (siRNA) Reagent only and MATra can be performed (s. 3.2).
MATra for suspension cells (MATra-S). In this case, cells have to be made adherent first by incubating them with the magnetic reagent MATra-S Immobilizer or by using polylysine plates. Then MATra-A or MATra-si Reagent loaded with the nucleic acid can be applied and MATra can be performed (s. 3.2).
MATra in combination with standard transfection reagents (MA-Lipofection).
Transfection with common lipidic (IBAfect, Lipofectamine, Fugene, Geneporter) or polycationic (e.g., ExGen500 or Superfect) reagents can be enhanced by magnetic assistance. In this case, the nucleic acid to be transfected has to be combined with MA Lipofection Enhancer in the presence of the common transfection reagent (s. 3.2). The formulation of MA Lipofection Enhancer has been optimized for use with IBAfect.
Address correspondence to IBA GmbH, Rudolf-Wissell-Str. 28, D-37079 Göttingen, Germany. Tel.: +49 (0) 551-50672-0; Fax: +49 (0) 551-50672-181; [email protected], www.iba-go.com. IBA US Distribution Center, 10748 Indian Head Industrial Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63132, USA. Tel. 1-877-IBA-GmbH (1-877-422-4624); Fax:1-888-531-6813; [email protected], www.iba-go.com.
Click here for more information
