Types of Nucleic Acids for Transfection 

Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) 

The deoxyribonucleic acid cantilevered into the host cell, such as a plasmid, with the help of the transfection method. The plasmid contains replication origin and cloning site, and these cloning sites have the restriction enzyme sites where the gene of interest is inserted.   

Ribonucleic Acid or Messenger Ribonucleic Acid  

mRNA transfection is used to express the specific protein expression. Like DNA, the RNA or mRNA is inserted into the host cell through the viral or non-viral method. It is noted that RNA transfection shows a greater response or result than DNA transfections.   

Particular Oligonucleotides 

Particular oligonucleotides consist of 18 to 200 base pairs, which manage or regulate the post-transcriptional and ribonucleic acid (RNA) modifications. These oligonucleotides are commonly known as small RNA molecules. It can be microRNA, short interference RNA (siRNA), and many more. It is possible to deliver these small RNA molecules into the host cell. 

Transfection Experiment Details 

The transfection experiment shows efficacy in some cells but very little effectiveness in others because it varies from cell to cell type. It is arising technology and very specific. Different companies introduced reagents for the transfection experiments, and this method is minimally invasive. In vitro transfection is costly, whereas in vivo transfection is less costly and is a direct method. This technique is time-consuming and critical as well.   

In-Vivo Transfection Reagents  

Different reagents are in the market, consisting of only two steps. These reagents are conjugated with nucleic acid and injected into the animal model through intravenous injection. The gene silencing can be performed in the tissues, liver, and kidney using these reagents.

Commercially available in vivo transfection reagents:

• LIVER-targeted in vivo reagent
• KIDNEY-targeted in vivo reagent
• PANCREAS-targeted in vivo reagent
• LUNG-targeted in vivo transfection reagent
• BRAIN-targeted in vivo transfection reagent

Factors  

Different factors are essential in the transfection method. Cell stability and nuclear entry matter a lot. As a result of ignorance and improper management, cytotoxicity can occur in the host cell and apoptosis. The controls are necessary before further proceeding.   

Limitations

• In vivo transfection techniques like electroporation can disrupt the cell membrane, and this method needs appropriately controlled conditions and healthy organisms.  
• Some techniques are extended but show the successful short-term result for a few days. Some techniques amazingly show greater efficacy. 
• The unwanted death of cells can destroy the functioning of the organ or tissue and can initiate the process of cell apoptosis.  
• In the induction of two purposes, foreign genetic material, sometimes only one goal becomes successful, and other gene doesn’t show the result.