Magnetofection™

Magnetofection™ is a novel, simple and highly efficient transfection method. Inspired by the validated and recognized magnetic drug targeting technology, this original method is a revolution for transfection and infection. In essence, the idea was to unite the advantages of the popular biochemical (cationic lipids or polymers) and physical (electroporation, gene gun) transfection methods in one system while excluding their inconveniences (low efficiency, toxicity, difficulty to handle). It is the unique technology suitable for viral and non viral gene delivery applications.

Principle

Magnetofection™ principle is to associate nucleic acids, transfection reagents or viruses with specific magnetic nanoparticles. The resulting molecular complexes are then concentrated and transported into cells supported by an appropriate magnetic field. In this way, the exploitation of a magnetic force exerted upon gene vectors allows a very rapid concentration of the entire applied vector dose on cells, so that 100% of the cells get in contact with a significant vector dose, and promotes cellular uptake.

How does it work?

The magnetic nanoparticles are made of iron oxyde, which is fully biodegradable, coated with specific proprietary cationic molecules varying upon applications. Their association with the gene vectors (DNA, siRNA, ODN, virus, etc.) is achieved by salt-induced colloidal aggregation and electrostatic interaction. The magnetic particles are then concentrated onto cells by the influence of an external magnetic field generated by a specific magnetic plate. The cellular uptake of the genetic material is accomplished by endocytosis and pinocytosis, two natural biological processes. Consequently, membrane architecture & structure stay intact in contrast to other physical transfection methods that damage, create hole or electroshock the cell membranes. The nucleic acids are then released into the cytoplasm by different mechanisms depending upon the formulation used.

1. First is the proton sponge effect caused by cationic polymers coated on the nanoparticles that promotes endosome osmotic swelling, disruption of the endosomal membrane and intracellular release of DNA.
2. Second is the destabilization of the endosome by cationic lipids coated on the particles that release the nucleic acid into cells by flip-flop of cell negative lipids and charged neutralization.
3. Third one is the usual viral mechanism when virus is used.

Biodistribution of magnetic nanoparticles

The biodegradable cationic magnetic nanoparticles are not toxic at the recommended doses and even higher. Gene vectors / magnetic nanoparticles complexes are internalized into cells after 10-15 minutes i.e. much faster than any other transfection method. After 24, 48 or 72 hours, most of the particles are localized in the cytoplasm, in vacuoles (membranes surrounded structure into cells) and occasionally in the nucleus. In addition, magnetic nanoparticles do not influence cell function.

What are the applications?

Magnetofection™ is the only versatile and universal technology adapted to all types of nucleic acids (DNA, siRNA, dsRNA, shRNA, mRNA, ODN…), non viral transfection systems (transfection reagents) and viruses. Consequently, several optimized reagents have been designed according to defined applications:

• LipoMag kit: for all nucleic acids, association of CombiMag + DreamFect Gold reagents
• MagnetoFectamine O2: for primary and hard-to-transfect cells
• PolyMag / PolyMag Neo: for all nucleic acids transfection
• NeuroMag: for neurons transfection
• CombiMag: for enhancing all transfection reagents efficiency (see Magnetofectamine)
• SilenceMag: for siRNA applications
• ViroMag: for enhancing viral transduction efficiency
• ViroMag R/L: for Lentivirus and Retrovirus transduction
• AdenoMag: for Adenovirus and AAV transduction
• Mag4C-LV / Mag4C-AD: for capturing and concentrating Lentiviruses and Adenoviruses
• FluoMag: Fluorescent Magnetofection Reagents
• SelfMag: for creating your own magnetic delivery system

Magnetofection™ has been successfully tested on a broad range of cell lines, hard-to-transfect and primary cells. It is perfect for non-dividing or slowly dividing cells, meaning that the genetic materials can go to the nucleus without cell division. We have shown that combining magnetic nanoparticles to gene vectors of any kind results in a dramatic increase of uptake of these vectors and high transfection efficiency. It is the only technology suitable both for viruses and non-viral nucleic acid delivery applications.

• For non viral nucleic acid delivery, it is perfect for primary and hard-to-transfect adherent cells.
• For viral applications, it is ideal for any cells including primary cells (adherent and suspension).

Please contact our technical support for the list of cells successfully tested.

How do I use Magnetofection™ reagents?

The protocol is a very straightforward and easy procedure:

1. Dilute nucleic acids or vectors in serum free medium or buffer and add Magnetofection™ reagent.
2. Incubate 20-30 minutes.
3. Add these complexes directly to cells.
4. Apply the magnetic field (place the culture plate on the magnetic plate).
5. Incubate 5-20 minutes, remove the magnetic plate and culture cells until assay.

Do I need specific equipments?

The only requirement for Magnetofection™ is a magnetic plate specifically designed for this application.The magnetic plate is a one-time buy and completely reusable, so you do not need expensive equipment contrary to approaches such as electroporation or gene gun. Basically, the magnetic field required is produced by specific magnets. Three magnetic plates are available: Super Magnetic Plate, Magnetic Plate with 96 individuals magnets and Mega Magnetic Plate. Their design allows producing a heterogeneous magnetic field that magnetizes the nanoparticles in solution, forms a very strong gradient to attract the nanoparticles and covers all the surface of the plate. The plate can be washed with ethanol 70% and used within incubators or robots.