Transfection enhancers are compounds that can increase the efficiency of transfection, which is the process of introducing foreign genetic material into cells. Here are some commonly used transfection enhancers:
- Lipofectamine: Lipofectamine is a commercially available transfection reagent that is widely used to deliver DNA or RNA into cells. It contains cationic lipids that can bind to negatively charged DNA or RNA, forming liposomes that can enter cells through endocytosis. Lipofectamine can enhance transfection efficiency by promoting the uptake and release of nucleic acids by cells.
- Polyethylenimine (PEI): PEI is a cationic polymer that can bind to DNA or RNA and form complexes that can enter cells through endocytosis. PEI can enhance transfection efficiency by promoting the endosomal escape of nucleic acids and their release into the cytoplasm.
- Calcium phosphate: Calcium phosphate is a commonly used transfection method that involves mixing DNA with a solution of calcium chloride and phosphate buffer. The mixture forms insoluble calcium phosphate complexes that can adhere to the cell surface and enter cells through endocytosis. Calcium phosphate can enhance transfection efficiency by promoting the formation of stable complexes between DNA and calcium phosphate.
- Electroporation: Electroporation is a physical transfection method that involves applying an electric field to cells to create transient pores in the cell membrane, allowing foreign genetic material to enter cells. Electroporation can enhance transfection efficiency by facilitating the entry of nucleic acids into cells and reducing their degradation by extracellular nucleases.
- Magnetofection: Magnetofection is a method of transfection that involves using magnetic nanoparticles to deliver nucleic acids into cells. The nanoparticles are coated with cationic polymers that can bind to DNA or RNA and form complexes that can be attracted to cells using a magnetic field. Magnetofection can enhance transfection efficiency by concentrating nucleic acids at the cell surface and promoting their uptake by cells.
Transfection enhancers can improve the efficiency of transfection, but they can also have toxic effects on cells and affect downstream applications. The choice of transfection enhancer depends on the type of cells, the nucleic acid to be transfected, and the downstream application. Optimization of transfection conditions, including the concentration and timing of the transfection enhancer, is critical to achieve high transfection efficiency and minimize cytotoxicity.