Plasmid-mediated gene transfer in neurons using the biolistics technique

Biolistics has been developed as a system for gene delivery into plant cells, but has recently been introduced for transfection into mammalian tissue, including few attempts in neural cells. Basically, in this system the plasmid DNA of interest is coated onto small particles, that are accelerated by a particular driving force. The combination of several so-called 'ballistic' parameters and tissue parameters determine the transfection efficiency. The main advantage of the system is that it is, unlike other available transfection methods, a mechanical way to cross the plasma membrane and therefore less dependent on target cell characteristics. In terms of transfection efficiency, biolistics seems favorable above conventional techniques, like calcium phosphate precipitation and lipofection. Compared to viral techniques biolistics may be less efficient, but is quicker and easier to handle and seems to produce fewer complications for in vivo gene delivery. Therefore, although the technique is only in a developmental stage, preliminary results seem promising, and optimalization of the method may prove useful in scientific research and/or clinical use.