An external electric field is applied across the cell membrane. When the field strength exceeds the membrane's critical breakdown threshold, the lipid bilayer destabilizes and forms a pore through which genetic material can pass. Depending on the strength and duration of the stimulus, these pores can be temporary (resealing) or permanent.

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

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Non-viral vectors deliver genetic material into cells and have transient effects and lower efficiency than viral vectors, but offer many advantages: low immunogenicity (the ability to provoke an undesirable immune response), larger DNA capacity, and lower cost. Examples of non-viral vectors include: naked DNA, physical methods (electroporation, sonoporation, gene gun, magnetofection, hydroporation), and chemical carriers.

Non-viral vectors

Naked DNA delivery is a non-viral gene-transfer method in which naked plasmid DNA is injected directly into the body and enters target cells mainly through endocytosis. Compared with other non-viral methods listed under the same category, such as electroporation or the gene gun, this approach is simple and safe to administer but has lower transfection efficiency.

Naked DNA

Electroporation

Ultrasound waves are applied to make the cell membrane permeable to DNA , allowing genetic material to pass into the cell. This mechanism involves microbubbles, which oscillate in response to ultrasound waves and create an opening in the membrane.

Sonoporation

Water pressure is applied to the cell membrane to create openings in the membrane, allowing genetic material to pass into the cell. The pressure is created by injecting a high volume of DNA solution.

Hydroporation

The process of transferring genes bound by magnetic nanoparticles (ex. iron oxide) into cells. An external magnetic field is applied below the cells, and genetic material is transferred into cells by endocytosis. An advantage of magnetofection is that the cell membrane is not physically damaged to form pores. 

Magnetofection

Microcarrier particles (ex. gold, tungsten) are coated with recombinant DNA. A pressurized helium pulse or electric discharge is used to deliver the DNA-coated particles at a high velocity through the cell membrane of target cells. The gene gun can also be used to penetrate plant cell walls.

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