Biontex Microfection FAQs
What is the advantage to using µ-Slides for transfection experiments?
The μ–Slide VI is designed for highly resolving microscopy and is optimal for experiments both with living cells and for fixation and staining of cells. Cells can be observed live or fixed directly in the μ–Slide on an inverted microscope.
Please note that gas exchange between the channel and incubator’s atmosphere occurs partially through the plastic bottom which should not be covered.
You can use any fixative of your choice. The μ–Slide material is compatible with a variety of chemicals, e.g. acetone or methanol.
Due to the high optical quality of the material fluorescence microscopy is possible with every wavelength and a maximum of resolution.
Can I perform the transfection in µ-Slides with any other transfection reagent?
The composition of the transfection reagent METAFECTENE® μ and the working protocol are specially adapted to the dimensions and the properties of the μ–Slide VI. This is the only way to obtain optimal transfection results in the μ–Slide VI at excellent optical conditions for microscopy. This is not possible with conventional transfection reagents.
What is the intended use of the µ-Transfection Kit VI FluoR?
METAFECTENE® μ FluoR is i.a. a fluorescence–labelled transfection reagent specially elaborated for transfection of mammalian cells in the μ–Slide VI. It offers a low toxicity with excellent transfection results as well as a simple and fast protocol. In combination with the μ–Slide VI you obtain a deeper insight in the processes following the transfection by life cell imaging. The rhodamine label enables the transfection process to be visualized and analysis of lipoplex localization and uptake to be conducted. METAFECTENE® μ FluoR is additionally a valuable tool for the detection of endocytosis, which can be a barrier for the transfection of certain cells.
What is the difference between the Proteofection Kits and the Transfection Kits?
The μ–Proteofection Kit VI and the μ–Proteofection Kit VI combine μ–Slides VI from ibidi GmbH with PROTEOfectene ® or PROTEOfectene® AB from Biontex (AFSBio's supplier) into powerful kits that enable the user to deliver proteins or antibodies into living cells and to observe the subsequent processes with live-cell imaging. In contrast, the µ-Transfection Kits (µ-Transfection Kit VI and µ-Transfection Kit VI FluoR) deliver not proteins or antibodies, but nucleic acids into the cells.
NOTE: This guide is for Biontex products only.