Electrotransformation of Streptococcus pneumoniae

Abstract

Conditions of electroporation to transform encapsulated strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae with plasmid DNA have been defined. For a heavily encapsulated strain, an electroporation solution of 10-20% (v/v) glycerol and 3.2 kV cm −1 field strength, 1000 Ω resistance and 25 μF capacitance were optimal. For lightly encapsulated or non-encapsulated strains, optimal conditions were a sucrose-based electroporation solution and 12.5 kV cm −1 field strength, 200 Ω resistance and 25 μF capacitance