Transfection of cells with custom-made calcium phosphatenanoparticles coated with DNA

Abstract

Functionalised nanoparticles of calcium phosphate were prepared by controlled precipitation from aqueous solution, followed by coating with DNA. A successful transfection of transformed human endothelial cells was accomplished by adding the dispersion of nanoparticles to the cell culture. The functionalised nanoparticles formed a stable colloid and did not lose their ability for cell transfection during 2–3 weeks of storage. The nanoparticles were approximately spherical with diameters of 10 to 20 nm and covered and stabilised by a hull of DNA.