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Transfecting siRNA with a high efficiency while avoiding side effects is influenced by several different factors. The following 10 tips will help you to optimize your siRNA transfection.
The following factors influence your siRNA transfection and have to be optimized for every new experiment:
Before starting your experiment, clean your working space with RNase-decontaminating solutions. When working with siRNA, always use gloves, changing them after touching any surface. Use pipettes with RNase-free tips and do not use these pipettes for other experiments.
Be prepared to run multiple test transfections in order to optimize the best conditions.
It is essential to use suitable controls in order to correctly interpret the results.
Cells should be in optimal physiological condition at the time of transfection. Cells need to be passaged frequently and the transfection should always be carried out under the same culture conditions. Usually a high cell density of around 70% is needed at the time of transfection. However, this depends on the cell type and should be determined for each experiment.
Most transfection reagents require a serum-free medium for the initial dilution of the siRNA complex. If sera are added to the cell culture while the transfection is carried out, the quality/lot might also affect the experiment.
Dependent on the combination of cell type and transfection reagent used, cell permeability is very sensitive during a transfection. The use of antibiotics can therefore cause cell death.
In general, the earliest time after which the silencing effect can be observed is 24 hours. It retains cell type dependent for 4–7 days.
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