This protocol describes an easy method for calibrating micropipette tips that have been pulled in the laboratory. It is essential to estimate the internal diameter of the pulled micropipette tip when adjusting parameters for a new puller or new type of glass tubing. A tip diameter of ~0.3 µm is optimal for the microinjection of mammalian cells in culture (e.g., CHO, PtK1, and COS-7). A 10% increase in diameter increases the delivery rate by more than 30% and can cause cell damage. - [Read Calibration of Micropipette Tips Protocols]
DNA Extraction from Agarose Gels Protocol. The page includes cutting out the DNA band from the gel, and describes three methods including 1) Spin-columns (Nucleic acid purification columns), 2) using Dialysis tubing (semi-permeable membrane, Visking tubing), and the 3) Paper strip method.Matt Lewis, Department of Pathology, University of Liverpool. - [Read DNA Extraction from Agarose Gels Protocol]
The technique has many advantages—plasmids may be used for delivery, DNA theoretically can be delivered to any cell type, and genes may be delivered to cells in vitro, ex vivo, or in vivo. DNA-coated gold particles are distributed evenly along the length of the tubing, which is subsequently cut into short sections of cartridges to be used in a gene gun. The Helios Gene Gun uses a pulse of helium to launch the DNA-coated particles, spreading them onto the target cells. - [Read Gene Delivery to Skin Using Biolistics Protocol]
Protein Dialysis Protocol. Bioprotocol. Preparation of Dialysis Tubing, Use of the Dialysis Tubing and Dialysis buffer. - [Read Protein Dialysis Protocol]