In vitro gene transfer using cationic vectors, electroporation and their combination.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to investigate the transfection efficiency of cationic vectors (polyethylenimine; PEI25K and lipofectamine), electroporation and their combination in the human cancer cell lines, Raji human lymphoma and KB human oral carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS Raji human lymphoma and KB human oral carcinoma cell lines were transfected with pcDNA3-CMV-Luc at various N/P ratios of cationic vectors and voltages of electroporation, as well as with a combination of the cationic vectors and electroporation. RESULTS The major findings were: (a) cationic vectors or electroporation alone increased transfection efficiency; (b) cationic vectors inhibited the transfection efficiency by electroporation. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate that cationic vectors and electroporation are feasible and efficient in transfecting human cancer cell lines. However, a combination of cationic vectors and electroporation is ineffective.