What contributes to successful transfection?

Cell line health and viability, nucleic acid quality, transfection reagents, duration of transfection, and serum requirements all affect the success of transfection. Cells must be healthy, uncontaminated, and in the correct growth phase and density (typically 40-80% confluent for chemical methods). Nucleic acid quality (high purity, low endotoxin levels) and appropriate reagent concentration are also crucial for optimal outcomes.

Is it possible to predict the transfectability of a specific type of cell?

No, predicting transfection efficiency based solely on cell type is not possible. The interactions between cell properties and transfection reagents are complex. However, it is empirically known that some cell types, such as primary cells, quiescent cells, and suspension cells, are generally difficult to transfect.

What impact does the type and quality of DNA or RNA have on transfection success?

High-purity genetic material consistently leads to better transfection outcomes. Endotoxin contamination, introduced during bacterial processing, must be removed as it can trigger the innate immune system and hinder transfection. Additionally, promoter characteristics, gene properties affecting cell physiology or survival, and the nucleic acid's size and structure all influence transfection success.

How is Transfection Different from Transformation and Transduction?

Transfection refers to the introduction of foreign nucleic acids into cells, typically by non-viral methods, especially in animal cells. Transformation describes the same process in plant, fungal, and bacterial cells, but is avoided in animal cell biology due to its association with 'malignant transformation' in cancer. Transduction refers to the viral-mediated transfer of nucleic acids into cells.

Resources

Why Do We Need Antimicrobial Surface Technology?

Dr. Gerba, an expert in germ transmission, explains why building antimicrobial function into surfaces around us will be critical in the fight against bacteria and viruses.

Watch Now

Why Did Corning Choose Copper?

On our journey to develop products that enhance people's lives, Corning has investigated various materials with antimicrobial properties. Copper stood out as an exceptional option, prompting our researchers and scientists to specifically engineer Guardiant technology around this key ingredient.

Technical Papers

Copper-Containing Glass Ceramic with High Antimicrobial Efficacy

The design principles behind the invention of Corning® Guardiant® have been published in the peer-reviewed journal, Nature Communications.

FAQ

Bringing Copper-Powered Peace of Mind to Paints and Coatings

Like many innovations, Guardiant causes us to ask questions about our current living and working environments and whether they would benefit from this new technology. Browse the frequently asked questions to understand how paints with Guardiant can enhance your favorite spaces with copper-powered peace of mind.

Whitepapers

Test Protocol for Surfaces Addressing Real World Contamination

The US EPA recognizes the potential need for surfaces with in-built microbe-killing properties. The laboratory test principles for residual antimicrobial products mimic realistic contamination on surfaces, which is dry and occurs at room temperature and ambient humidity. Corning takes a look at lab testing based on these guidelines in contrast with “wet tests” that are used in other regions of the world to evaluate antimicrobial efficacy.