Transfection of insect cell in suspension for efficient baculovirus generation

MethodsX. 2016 May 4:3:371-7. doi: 10.1016/j.mex.2016.04.011. eCollection 2016.

Abstract

Baculovirus (BV) mediated insect cell expression system utilizes transfection as a first step to introduce recombinant baculovirus DNA into insect cells. Many labs are still relying on the conventional liposome based transfection method in adherent culture. Here we describe a more efficient method that can replace the existing method. This method is economical and does not require any special adjustment in existing labs. •An innovative method of transfecting insect cells in suspension using polyethyleneimine (PEI) is described here.•The beauty of this method is minimal intermediate manipulation of culture during transfection and virus generation.•The method significantly reduces the chances of cross contamination of viruses while handling multiple targets and constructs as well as the other microbial contamination.

Keywords: Baculovirus; High-throughput; Insect cell; Lipofectin; Polyethyleneimine (PEI); Sf9; Transfection in suspension.