Silica nanoparticles-mediated stable genetic transformation in Nicotiana tabacum

• DOI: 10.1007/s40242-015-5088-0
• Publication Date: 2015-10-21T11:09:15Z
• Authors: Yuqin Fu; Luhua Li; Hui Wang; Yuan Jiang; Huijing Liu; Xiyan Cui; Piwu Wang; Changli Lü
• Keywords: Transformation efficiency

Nanoparticles as gene carriers become popular in the mammalian cells, whereas the application of them in plant cells is still very limited. Herein lies a report on silica nanoparticles(SiNPs) modified with positively charged poly-L-lysine(PLL) successfully delivering plasmid-encoded β-glucuronidase(GUS) gene into tobacco with the help of gene gun. The stable transgenic tobacco plants mediated by SiNPs can be obtained. Furthermore, we revealed the quantity of gene and types of receptor materials could affect the expression efficiency. In comparison to conventional gold particles-mediated transformation, the silica nanoparticles-mediated stable genetic transformation enhances transformation efficiency, potentially overcoming transgenic silencing. Our results demonstrate the great potential of SiNPs as gene carrier in plant genetic transformation and prove a novel approach for plant genetic decoration.