Biolistic Transfection of Tumor Tissue Samples

A nonviral method for gene transfer into mammalian cells has been developed using physical force which accelerates plasmid DNA-coated gold particles to high -speed and penetrate the mammalian cells. This technology of gene transfer via a biolistic transfection method has been shown to have multiple applications to mammalian gene transfer systems. This method has also been adapted for delivery of other macromolecules like RNA, microRNA, and proteins. A broad range of somatic cell types, including primary cell cultures and established cell lines, have been successfully transfected ex vivo or in vitro by using the gene gun technology, either as suspension or adherent cells in cultures. This chapter describes the general procedures for in vitro DNA transfection by particle-mediated delivery to nonadherent and adherent cells. These procedures can be readily employed by using the Helios gene gun system (Bio-Rad, Hercules, CA) based on the Accell design.