Transfection reagents are used to introduce DNA or RNA into eukaryotic cells. Transfection reagents help overcome the barrier caused by the negative charges of both the nucleic acids and the cellular membrane by giving an overall positive charge to the DNA or RNA through the formation of transfection complexes. This interaction is necessary to trigger cellular uptake of the complexes and subsequent release from vesicles into the cytoplasm. Transfection reagents are often cationic lipids or polymers and include calcium phosphate and diethylaminoethyl (DEAE)-dextran. Visit the supplier pages for more product information.
Transfection by siRNA, or small interfering RNA, is a well-established method of gene silencing by means of RNA interference. To increase the efficiency of siRNA delivery into the cells, a few methods have been developed. A well-known example is with Lipofectamine, which uses a lipid formulation to encapsulate the siRNA into liposomes. Another method is through electroporation, and several electroporation kits are available. In fact, there are now number of commercial reagents tailored for introducing siRNA into more specific cell types, cell lines, tissues, and even within live animals.