Effect of Varying Magnetic Fields on Targeted Gene Delivery of Nucleic Acid-Based Molecules

Several physical methods have been developed to introduce nucleic acid expression vectors into mammalian cells. Magnetic transfection (magnetofection) is one such transfection method, and it involves binding of nucleic acids such as DNA, RNA or siRNA to magnetic nanoparticles followed by subsequent exposure to external magnetic fields. However, the challenge between high efficiency of nucleic acid uptake by cells and toxicity was not totally resolved. Delivery of nucleic acids and their transport to the target cells require carefully designed and controlled systems. In this study, we introduced a novel magnetic system design providing varying magnet turn speeds and magnetic field directions. The system was tested in the magnetofection of human breast (MCF-7), prostate (DU-145, PC-3) and bladder (RT-4) cancer cell lines using green fluorescent protein DNA as a reporter. Polyethylenimine coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) were used as nucleic acid carriers. Adsorption of PEI on SPION improved the cytocompatibility dramatically. Application of external magnetic field increased intracellular uptake of nanoparticles and transfection efficiency without any additional cytotoxicity. We introduce our novel magnetism-based method as a promising tool for enhanced nucleic acid delivery into mammalian cells.