Efficient transfection of MG-63 osteoblasts using magnetic nanoparticles and oscillating magnetic fields

Abstract

Aims: To examine the potential of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in transfecting human osteosarcoma fibroblasts (MG-63) and investigate the effects of a novel non-viral oscillating nanomagnetic gene transfection system (magnefect-nano™) in enhancing transfection efficiency (TE).

Methods: MG-63 cells were transfected using MNPs coupled with a GFP-carrying plasmid. The magnefect-nano system was evaluated for transfection efficiency and potential associated effects on cell viability.

Results: MG-63 cells were efficiently transfected using MNPs and the magnefect-nano system significantly enhanced overall transfection efficiency. MNPs were not found to affect cell viability and/or function of the cells.

Conclusion: Non-viral transfection using MNPs and the magnefect-nano system can be used to transfect MG-63 cells and assist reporter gene delivery on a single cell basis, highlighting the wide potential of nanomagnetic gene transfection in gene therapy.

Keywords: DNA; magnetic field; magnetic nanoparticles; nanomagnetic gene transfection; non-viral gene transfection.