RNA transfection of Escherichia coli by electroporation

Cells of Escherichia coli were efficiently transfected with Q beta phage RNA by electroporation. A single voltage shock at 6.25 kV/cm with a 25 microF capacitor resulted in an infectivity yield considerably higher than that attained by a lysozyme-EDTA spheroplast method or a CaCl2 procedure. A linear relationship was found between concentration of the input RNA and yield of the transfectants, over a wide range. Efficiency of the electroporation-mediated transfection (electrotransfection) was increased by addition of certain sodium salts but decreased by preincubation in a Tris buffer containing sucrose.