Developing a tool to shoot genes by a man-made air pressure

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Molecular Biology
• Plant Science

Background:

• Biolistic systems facilitate the transfer of macromolecules like DNA and RNA into cells for genetic modification and drug delivery.
• Conventional biolistic systems are expensive and lack portability, limiting their widespread application, especially in plant research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an affordable and portable biolistic device for cellular macromolecule delivery.
• To evaluate the efficacy of the developed system for gene transfer and expression in plant cells.

Main Methods:

• An inexpensive air duster gun and hand pump were modified into a portable tool (TSGAMAP) for generating air pressure.
• DNA-coated gold particles were delivered into plant cells using TSGAMAP at a maximum air pressure of 3 MPa.
• Fluorescent protein genes (GFP, mCherry) and a transcription factor gene (AoAMS) were used to assess gene delivery and expression.

Main Results:

• TSGAMAP successfully delivered DNA-coated particles into onion, leaf lettuce, and Chinese cabbage cells, resulting in observable GFP expression.
• Co-expression of GFP and mCherry was achieved, indicating successful delivery of multiple genetic materials.
• Nuclear localization of a GFP-tagged transcription factor (AoAMS) was confirmed, demonstrating the system's utility for subcellular localization studies.

Conclusions:

• TSGAMAP provides a cost-effective and portable solution for biolistic delivery of DNA and other microparticles into cells.
• This innovation can significantly broaden the accessibility and application of biolistic methods in scientific research and educational settings.