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Updated: May 24, 2026

Intranuclear Microinjection of DNA into Dissociated Adult Mammalian Neurons

Intranuclear Microinjection of DNA into Dissociated Adult Mammalian Neurons

Published on: December 10, 2009

Nanoinjection: pronuclear DNA delivery using a charged lance.

Quentin T Aten¹, Brian D Jensen, Susan Tamowski

¹Mechanical Engineering Department, Brigham Young University, 435 CTB, Provo, UT 84602, USA.

Transgenic Research

|March 15, 2012

Summary

Nanoinjection, a novel non-fluidic DNA transfer method, significantly improves zygote viability and gene integration rates compared to traditional microinjection. This technique uses an electrically charged lance for DNA delivery, enhancing embryo development from zygote to birth.

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Area of Science:

Biotechnology
Developmental Biology
Genetics

Background:

Microinjection is a standard technique for pronuclear DNA transfer in zygotes.
This method involves fluid delivery, which can potentially harm the zygote and reduce viability.
There is a need for improved methods that enhance DNA integration and embryo survival.

Purpose of the Study:

To introduce and evaluate a novel non-fluidic pronuclear DNA injection method called nanoinjection.
To compare the efficiency and viability of nanoinjection against traditional microinjection.
To assess the impact of nanoinjection on zygote development and subsequent offspring survival.

Main Methods:

A silicon microchip nanoinjector with a solid, electrically conductive lance was developed.

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RNAi Mediated Gene Knockdown and Transgenesis by Microinjection in the Necromenic Nematode Pristionchus pacificus

RNAi Mediated Gene Knockdown and Transgenesis by Microinjection in the Necromenic Nematode Pristionchus pacificus

Published on: October 16, 2011

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Last Updated: May 24, 2026

Intranuclear Microinjection of DNA into Dissociated Adult Mammalian Neurons

Intranuclear Microinjection of DNA into Dissociated Adult Mammalian Neurons

Published on: December 10, 2009

Analysis of mRNA Nuclear Export Kinetics in Mammalian Cells by Microinjection

Analysis of mRNA Nuclear Export Kinetics in Mammalian Cells by Microinjection

Published on: December 4, 2010

RNAi Mediated Gene Knockdown and Transgenesis by Microinjection in the Necromenic Nematode Pristionchus pacificus

RNAi Mediated Gene Knockdown and Transgenesis by Microinjection in the Necromenic Nematode Pristionchus pacificus

Published on: October 16, 2011

DNA was electrically accumulated on the lance, inserted into the pronucleus, and electrically released.

A comparative study involving 1,013 injected eggs assessed nanoinjection versus microinjection over 4 days.

Main Results:

Nanoinjection resulted in significantly higher DNA integration rates per embryo (6.2%) compared to microinjection (1.6%).
Nanoinjected zygotes showed significantly higher viability: 77.6% progressed to the two-cell stage versus 54.7% for microinjected zygotes.
Development to birth was also higher for nanoinjection: 52.4% of two-cell stage embryos developed into pups, compared to 23.9% for microinjection.

Conclusions:

Nanoinjection is a viable alternative for pronuclear DNA transfer, offering significant advantages in zygote viability and developmental progression.
The non-fluidic nature and smaller lance size of nanoinjection contribute to reduced zygote damage and improved outcomes.
This method holds promise for enhancing genetic manipulation efficiency in embryos.