Nanoinjection

rdf:langString Nanoinjection

rdf:langString Nanoinjection is the process of using a microscopic lance and electrical forces to deliver DNA to a cell. It is claimed to be more effective than microinjection because the lance used is ten times smaller than a micropipette and the method uses no fluid. The nanoinjector mechanism is operated while submerged in a pH buffered solution. Then, a positive electrical charge is applied to the lance, which accumulates negatively charged DNA on its surface. The nanoinjector mechanism then penetrates the zygotic membranes, and a negative charge is applied to the lance, releasing the accumulated DNA within the cell. The lance is required to maintain a constant elevation on both entry and exit of the cell. Nanoinjection results in a long-term cell viability of 92% following the electrophoretic injection process with a 100 nm diameter nanopipette, the typical diameter of nanoinjection pipet. Single cell transfections are used to virtually transfer any type of mammalian cell into another using a syringe which creates an entry for DNA to be released. A nano needle is used as a mechanical vector for plasmid DNA. This is called Atomic Force Microscopy or AFM. The purpose is to not cause permanent damage to the cell or provoke cellular leaking of intracellular fluid. AFM is a tool of choice as it allows for precise positioning of the DNA. This is important because it allows for tip penetration into the cytosol, which is critical for viable DNA transfer into the cell. Reasons to use nanoinjection include the insertion of genetic material into the genome of a zygote. This method is a critical step in understanding and developing gene functions. Nanoinjection is also used to genetically modify animals to aid in the research of cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes.