mRNA Delivery by Magnetofection

Fig1. Principle of magnetofection. (Plank, C., et al., 2011)

Creative Biogene is a forward-looking research institute as well as an experienced supplier in biotech markets. After years of accumulated experience, we are committed to promoting the research of mRNA transfection based on a series of physical and chemical methods. Magnetofection, as a novel and efficient system for gene delivery, is inspired by the validated and recognized magnetic drug targeting technology. The method is based on taking advantage of a magnetic field that acts on nucleic acid vectors associated with magnetic nanoparticles, leading to a rapid concentration of the vectors around cells/tissues and facilitates cellular uptake. The technique has been shown to enhance transfection efficiency in monoculture and co-culture of applied cells and the potential to bring in vitro and in vivo transgene transfection in the target tissues. At present, magnetofection technology has been applied to transfect nucleic acids into various primary cells, including primary neurons and other hard-to-transfect cells.

The principle of magnetofection

The first report of the method that delivers the nucleic acid into the cell in the force of magnetic field would come back in 1996. The principle of magnetofection is well understood. In general, nucleic acids are mixed with magnetic nanoparticles coated with a cationic polymer to form biomolecule/magnetic complexes. Then the resulting complexes are accumulated and delivered into cell/tissues under the effect of the magnetic field. At the same time, the endocytosis and pinocytosis of cell membrane are accelerated due to the force of the magnetic field. The magnetic nanoparticles are generally comprised of a biodegradable substance (such as iron oxide), and coated with specific proprietary cationic molecules varying upon applications. Notably, the structure of the cell membrane can stay intact in this way in contrast to other physical transfection methods.

Fig2. Magnetofection technique in cell culture. (Jinturkar, et al., 2011)

Comparison between electroporation and magnetofection

mRNA delivery by magnetofection

Recently, IVT mRNA therapeutics, as a safer alternative for gene and recombinant protein therapies, have been the subject of extensive application-oriented research in both academia and industry. To promote the widespread application of mRNA therapeutics, we have established an efficient system for mRNA delivery based on magnetofection technology. For mRNA delivery, we employ a proprietary cationic lipid formulation, which can protect mRNA molecules from ubiquitous RNases and efficiently deliver them to the target cells/tissues. The optimized lipoplexes are further formulated along with magnetic nanoparticles to form magnetic lipoplexes (mag-lipoplexes), which can achieve efficient mRNA delivery in vitro and ex vivo with a combined application of magnetic field.

Benefits of our services

• Professional technical support
• An optimized and well-established platform
• Ready to start your project once the contract is signed
• Fast and traceable testing for the urgent project needs

The magnetofection method has already been well established for enhanced and targeted delivery of various nucleic acids as well as for viral vectors. It is an efficient transfection method to transfect a broad range of cells, including primary cells and hard-to-transfect cells. In addition, it is a unique technology suitable both for viruses and non-viral nucleic acid delivery applications. If you have any questions about our service, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We look forward to providing services for your next project.