Gene delivery by direct injection (microinjection) using a pulsed-flow system

INTRODUCTIONThis protocol describes a method for pulsed-flow microinjection using the Eppendorf FemtoJet injector and Eppendorf InjectMan; this is the most common type of pulsed-flow microinjection system currently being used. The advantage of this type of system over a controlled-flow system is that much more control is available over the injection parameters, reducing variability in injections. In addition, the system allows a diagonal insertion of the needle into the cell, causing a direct piercing of the cell. This is fast and may do less damage to the cell than a traditional system, in which the cell is briefly distorted before it is pierced.