Dielectrophoretically-assisted electroporation using light-activated virtual microelectrodes for multiple DNA transfection

Lab Chip. 2014 Feb 7;14(3):592-601. doi: 10.1039/c3lc51102b. Epub 2013 Dec 9.

Abstract

Gene transfection is an important technology for various biological applications. The exogenous DNA is commonly delivered into cells by using a strong electrical field to form transient pores in cellular membranes. However, the high voltage required in this electroporation process may cause cell damage. In this study, a dielectrophoretically-assisted electroporation was developed by using light-activated virtual microelectrodes in a new microfluidic platform. The DNA electrotransfection used a low applied voltage and an alternating current to enable electroporation and transfection. Single or triple fluorescence-carrying plasmids were effectively transfected into various types of mammalian cells, and the fluorescent proteins were successfully expressed in live transfected cells. Moreover, the multi-triangle optical pattern that was projected onto a photoconductive layer to generate localized non-uniform virtual electric fields was found to have high transfection efficiency. The developed dielectrophoretically-assisted electroporation platform may provide a simpler system for gene transfection and could be widely applied in many biotechnological fields.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line
  • DNA / metabolism*
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / metabolism
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Hep G2 Cells
  • Humans
  • Light*
  • Microelectrodes
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques*
  • Plasmids / metabolism
  • Transfection / instrumentation*

Substances

  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • DNA