Improvement of Bacterial Transformation Efficiency Using Biopolymers as Plasmid Complements

Abstract

The process of bacterial transformation results from the introduction of specific genetic material into bacteria cells and subsequent gene expression. This technology has significant applications in gene cloning technology, and allows new possibilities for genetic breeding. The use of cellulose and babassu mesocarp to improve the process was not found in the literature. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of biopolymers (cellulose and biopolymer rich in starch extracted from the babassu mesocarp) on the efficiency of this process. The biopolymers were characterized by XRD, FTIR, zeta potential, thermal analysis, agarose gel electrophoresis and DLS. The transformation was carried out using the plasmid pGEM and E. coli. It was investigated the cytotoxicity and the effect of different concentrations of the materials and plasmid DNA on the transformation. The study demonstrated that 0.050 mg/mL of both materials increased the efficiency of bacteria transformation, and small amount of DNA combining with the biopolymers allowed obtaining satisfactory results. Therefore, the biopolymers can be used in genetic studies involving the transfer of DNA into bacterial cells.