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PEI transfection of 293T cells

2-10-12

Modified by D. Cortez 1/2022
PEI Transfection
Cells: 293T

Volume: 10 cm plate

Day 1: Split 293T cells into a 10cm plate with complete DMEM so that they are roughly 50% confluent. Higher than 50% will decrease transfection efficiency. 2.5-3.0 million cells per 10cm dish the day before works well according to Nancy.

Day2: Add 4 ug total DNA to 100 uL of Optimem in 1.5 mL tube.

Add 24 uL of PEI.

Mix by vortexing.

Leave at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.

Aspirate media off cells and replace with 10 mL of fresh complete DMEM with 10% FBS

Add PEI/DNA mixture dropwise while swirling the plate of 293T cells.

Incubate overnight at 37°C.

Day 3: Split into 15cm2 plate

Day 4: Collect or wait one more day – one extra day usually helps increase yield.

Day 5: Collect if you did not collect on Day 4.

PEI is linear polyethylenimine (MW 25,000) from Polyscience, Inc. (Cat # 23966). Make a 1 mg/mL solution of PEI in water, neutralize to pH 7.0 with HCl and filter sterilize. Use a hot plate and stir bar to dissolve PEI; it may take 6 – 8 hours to dissolve. It is stable at 4°C for at least 3 months. Keep bulk of aliquots stored at -80°C.

Note: It is also possible to do the PEI transfection on the same day as plating the cells (even without allowing them to attach). In that case, double the number of cells utilized.