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.
While a popular method for delivering DNA or RNA into cells may be through liposome-based reagents, other non-liposomal kits and reagents are also available on the market. Such methods may be preferable in cases where liposomal reagents have proven ineffective. These commercial non-liposomal transfection reagents have similarly been reported to feature low toxicity, high efficiency, simplicity, reproducibility, and compatibility with a wide range of cell types.