Gene Gun Accelerates DNA-Coated Particles To Transform Intact Cells

Although geneticists use a variety of gene transfer methods to introduce foreign DNA into microbial, plant, and animal cells, many important organisms do not respond to these established techniques. Problems with delivering genes in a reproducible, cost-effective, and timely manner still preyent researchers from manipulating certain genomes. But a new transformation technique, called particle gun technology, has overcome many of the obstacles of existing techniques and holds promise for bec

| 4 min read

Register for free to listen to this article
Listen with Speechify
0:00
4:00
Share

Although geneticists use a variety of gene transfer methods to introduce foreign DNA into microbial, plant, and animal cells, many important organisms do not respond to these established techniques. Problems with delivering genes in a reproducible, cost-effective, and timely manner still preyent researchers from manipulating certain genomes.

But a new transformation technique, called particle gun technology, has overcome many of the obstacles of existing techniques and holds promise for becoming a universal gene delivery system and a means to introduce drugs and other biologically itnportant substances into cells.

First developed in 1984 by John Sanford, Edward Wolf, and Nelson Allen at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y. particle gun devices propel millions of DNA-coated particles past rigid plant cell walls and delicate membranes, allowing direct deposit of genetic material into living cells, intact tissues, and microscopic organelles.

Gene guns operate on the principle that under certain conditions, DNA and other genetic ...

Interested in reading more?

Become a Member of

The Scientist Logo
Receive full access to digital editions of The Scientist, as well as TS Digest, feature stories, more than 35 years of archives, and much more!
Already a member? Login Here

Meet the Author

  • Carole Gan

    This person does not yet have a bio.

Published In

Share
A greyscale image of cells dividing.
March 2025, Issue 1

How Do Embryos Know How Fast to Develop

In mammals, intracellular clocks begin to tick within days of fertilization.

View this Issue
Discover the history, mechanics, and potential of PCR.

Become a PCR Pro

Integra Logo
3D rendered cross section of influenza viruses, showing surface proteins on the outside and single stranded RNA inside the virus

Genetic Insights Break Infectious Pathogen Barriers

Thermo Fisher Logo
A photo of sample storage boxes in an ultra-low temperature freezer.

Navigating Cold Storage Solutions

PHCbi logo 
The Immunology of the Brain

The Immunology of the Brain

Products

Zymo Logo

Zymo Research Launches the Quick-16S™ Full-Length Library Prep Kit

BIOVECTRA

BIOVECTRA is Honored with 2025 CDMO Leadership Award for Biologics

Sino Logo

Gilead’s Capsid Revolution Meets Our Capsid Solutions: Sino Biological – Engineering the Tools to Outsmart HIV

Stirling Ultracold

Meet the Upright ULT Built for Faster Recovery - Stirling VAULT100™

Stirling Ultracold logo