MATra reagents

Magnet Assisted Transfection (MATra) with MagTag¢ç

Magnet Assisted Transfection (MATra) is a new, easy-to-handle, very fast and highly efficient technology to transfect cells in culture. All types of nucleic acids from plasmid DNA or siRNA to oligonucleotides can be used with the MATra approach. Data from a variety of species using cell lines or primary tissue culture have accumulated including human, monkey, mouse, rat, xenopus, pig, cat or fish.
Using this new technique, nucleic acids are in a first step associated with specific magnetic nanoparticles (MagTag¢ç). Exploiting magnetic force the full nucleic acid dose is then drawn towards and delivered into the target cells leading to efficient transfection without disturbing the membrane architecture, without causing chromosomal damage or leaving a hole in the cell membrane like other transfection technologies. Cellular uptake occurs by either endocytosis or pinocytosis. Delivered to the target cells, the DNA is released into the cytoplasm. The magnetic particles are accumulated in endosomes and/or vacuoles. Over time, the nanoparticles are degraded and the iron enters the normal iron metabolism not influencing cellular functions.
Magnet Assisted Transfection-MATra is based on the entry of DNA loaded nanoparticles into the cell via the magnetic field without disturbing the membrane architecture.

Methods and reagents

Two approaches are possible: for a standard Magnet Assisted Transfection (MA Transfection) ¡°MATra-A Reagent¡± is used for plasmid transfection and "MATra-si Reagent" for siRNA and oligo transfection; for more critical cells it is also possible to combine the MATra technology with lipofection (¡°Magnet Assisted Lipofection¡±; MA Lipofection). For this purpose, we are offering ¡°MA Lipofection Enhancer¡± and the high-efficiency lipofection reagent ¡°IBAfect¡±. The MA Lipofection Enhancer can also increase the efficiency of viral transfections.
Both techniques can be used with adherent cells as well as with suspension cells. However, for the latter cells have to be localized at the bottom of the cell culture plate using the MATra-S Immobilizer. MATra can also be adapted to highthroughput transfection assays using robotic stations and adapted protocols.

MATra Specifications

Matra is a fast, easy-to-handle, gentle technology to transfect any type of cell at different phases of cell confluence.
MATra is applicable at different phases of cell confluence, however in general we recommend 50-70% confluence (in some systems a higher visual confluence may result in higher Magnet Assisted Transfection rates).
MATra is non-toxic at recommended amounts in most cell systems. Still, if higher DNA/MATra or Enhancer amounts are used a medium change is advised within 2 hours.

Easy protocol (example with MATra-A Reagent)

  1. Dilute nucleic acid in medium
  2. Add magnetic nanoparticles (MATra-A Reagent)
  3. Incubate 20 - 30 minutes
  4. Add medium to adherent cells (2 - 4 x 105 cells)
  5. Add nucleic acid/nanoparticle solution
  6. Place culture plate onto magnet plate
  7. Incubate 15 minutes
  8. Remove magnet plate

MATra assay formats

Formats Volume of MATra-A or
MATra-si Reagent
recommended per well [µl]
Transfections per 200 µl vial
* 156 µl MATra-A are required for 500 cm2; please titrate to optimize for your application.    
96 well plate 0.1 2000
48 well plate 0.3 667
24 well plate 0.6 333
12 well plate 1.2 167
6 well plate 3 67
60 mm dish 6.6 30
100 mm dish 17.2 12
T-75 flask 23.5 9
25 x 25 cm plate 156 1*

Low vector doses

High transfection efficiencies using low vector doses are achieved using magnet assisted transfection-matra technology.
Magnet Assisted Transfection and lipofection in comparison. Luciferase expression was assayed after 24 hours.
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