Home-made in vitro magnetic nanoparticle-based gene delivery system

Abstract

Introduction: Biotechnology applications of Magnetic Nanoparticles (MNPs) have been rapidly investigated and are becoming the leading trend in the field. Although making an appearance almost 20 years ago, gene delivery using magnetic nanoparticles has not achieved much significant success. This study aims to establish promising and simple MNP-based protocol for gene delivery initially. Specifically, we aim to evaluate whether sodium chloride (NaCl) could enhance gene transfer with naked plasmid DNA without the need to combine liposomes or polymersomes. Methods: In this work, our "homemade" MNPs were mixed with plasmid DNA (phEF1-hKO – which expresses orange fluorescence) under various treatments of NaCl to enhance the formation of MNP-DNA complex for transfection. Then, these complexes were added to cultured cells. Delivery efficiency was represented by fluorescent expressing cells. Results: NaCl facilitated the magnetofection process in a dose and treatment duration co-dependent manner. Initial data showed that the optimal condition was 150mM NaCl with a 40-minute duration. Conclusion: Our homemade gene delivery system based on magnetic nanoparticles was established successfully. The viability of cells in magnetofection was maintained. Magnetofection without liposomes and polymersomes is certainly possible, but further researches have to be carried out in order to tell the definite optimal conditions.