Modern cell biology methods allow for various studies with cultured cells and cell membranes, there are several new transfection technologies that are aimed to increase transfection efficiency in vitro and in vivo and efficient delivery of proteins, DNA or other genetically important substances. Such methods will help research efforts to reduce the risk of cancers or other genetic defects in humans. Through various methods of transfection, scientists and geneticists are able to deliver DNA into the cytoplasm via a cell membrane.

New generation of in vivo transfection kits and a number of laboratory transfection services are commercially available from Altogen Biosystems.

One particular innovation in transfection is the precise way that siRNA, DNA or protein is added to each cell cytoplasm. In the past, these methods were deemed more risky than others, since the chances of harming the cell plasma membranes were high. Now with methods such as microinjection, scientists are able to place the DNA or proteins in the exact location they want but with still some risk involved to the cell membranes. Most recently, advances in medicine have shared that instead of microinjection being hands-on, machines were able to incorporate DNA or proteins more precisely with less risk to the surrounding membrane.

Scientists are finding new ways to introduce DNA into a cell – precise lasers are now being used to make a temporary microscopic hole in the cell membrane so that the DNA is safely added. Photoporation, as it is called, is allowing geneticists and scientists a better-controlled and highly effective form of transfection, by using a laser beam to add DNA, siRNA, or protein to many cells at one time- thus making it much more effective.

Commercial RNAi services are offered by RNAi CRO Altogen Labs (www.altogenlabs.com), as well as many other laboratory contract research services such as xenotransplantation and in vivo toxicology studies.