Transfection types, methods and strategies: a technical review

Transfection is a modern and powerful method used to insert foreign nucleic acids into eukaryotic cells. The ability to modify host cells' genetic content enables the broad application of this process in studying normal cellular processes, disease molecular mechanism and gene therapeutic effect. In this review, we summarized and compared the findings from various reported literature on the characteristics, strengths, and limitations of various transfection methods, type of transfected nucleic acids, transfection controls and approaches to assess transfection efficiency. With the vast choices of approaches available, we hope that this review will help researchers, especially those new to the field, in their decision making over the transfection protocol or strategy appropriate for their experimental aims.

Automated summary

Transfection is a powerful method used to insert foreign nucleic acids into eukaryotic cells, enabling the study of normal cellular processes, disease mechanisms, and gene therapy effects. This review compares different transfection methods, nucleic acid types, controls, and efficiency assessment approaches, providing researchers with options for choosing the appropriate transfection strategy for their experimental goals.