Strategy for increased efficiency of transfection in human cell lines using radio frequency electroporation

Traditional electroporation devices use direct current electric fields to s timulate the uptake of oligonucleotides, plasmids, short peptides, and prot eins into a variety of cell types. A variation of this widely used techniqu e is now available which relies on radio frequency (RF) electrical pulses. This oscillating type of electrical field reportedly elicits greater uptake of plasmid DNA across the plasma membrane. We evaluated a protocol for RF electroporation of the a human embryonic kidney cell line and a Burkitt's l ymphoma (BL) cell line for effeciency of transfection by RF electroporation . The plasmid EGFP, which codes for the widely used fusion protein, enhance d green fluorescent protein (EGFP), was used as a reporter of plasmid uptak e after transfections. Transfection efficiency consistently increased approximately 30% from that typically obtained with conventional DC type electroporation and was accomp anied by greater survivability of cells. Additionally, in some instances, p ercent transfection efficiency increased to over 70%. Thus, RF electroporat ion represents an improved methodology for transfection of human cell lines . Moreover, the RF protocol is simple to incorporate in laboratories alread y utilizing conventional electroporation devices and techniques.