A novel method for genetic transformation of C. albicans using modified-hydroxyapatite nanoparticles as plasmid DNA vehicle

In modern biological research, genetic transformation is an important molecular biology technique with extensive applications. In this work, we describe a new method for delivery of plasmid DNA (pDNA) into a yeast species, Candida albicans. Our method is based on the use of novel arginine-glucose-PEG functionalized hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (M-HAp NPs) as the vehicle which delivers pDNA into Candida albicans with high transformation efficiency of 106cfu/µg of pDNA, without the need for preparation of competent cells. Four-fold higher transformation efficiency as compared to that of electroporation method was obtained. This new method could provide exciting opportunities to advance the applications of yeasts in the field of biotechnology.