transfecting

Transfecting is a laboratory technique used to introduce nucleic acids into eukaryotic cells. This process is crucial for various molecular biology research applications, including gene expression studies, gene therapy development, and the creation of genetically modified organisms. The nucleic acid introduced can be DNA, RNA, or even artificial nucleic acids.

There are several methods for achieving transfection, broadly categorized into physical and chemical approaches. Physical methods include electroporation, which uses an electric pulse to create temporary pores in the cell membrane, and microinjection, where nucleic acids are directly injected into the cell. Chemical methods involve using reagents to facilitate the entry of nucleic acids into cells. Common chemical methods include the use of cationic lipids (lipofection), which form complexes with the negatively charged nucleic acid, and calcium phosphate precipitation, where nucleic acids are co-precipitated with calcium phosphate. Viral vectors are also frequently employed as a highly efficient, albeit more complex, method of gene delivery.

The efficiency of transfection can vary significantly depending on the cell type, the method used, and the specific nucleic acid being introduced. Factors such as cell viability, cell cycle stage, and the presence of inhibitors can also influence the outcome. After transfection, cells are typically cultured to allow for the expression of the introduced genetic material or for its incorporation into the host genome.