FAQs

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Nanocin FAQs

Is Nanocin transfection technology difficult to use?

We understand how important it is for you to get on with your experiments. All of our Nanocin transfection reagent products are easy to use, involving only a few simple steps. Our simple protocols also help to improve reproducibility.

Do I need any special equipment to use Nanocin?

No, all of our Nanocin protocols involve only standard lab equipment. Conveniently, there is no need to purchase new equipment or specialised disposables.

Is Nanocin toxic to cells in any kind of way?

Nanocin products are effectively non-toxic and are particularly recommended for transfection of highly sensitive cells, as they do not compromise cell viability.

Of course, all substances are toxic at some level, but we are confident that Nanocin products are of a significantly lower level of toxicity compared to other transfection technologies.

We take pride in working to ensure that Nanocin is gentle to cells in vitro and in vivo. Please contact us to discuss any queries you may have concerning toxicity data for Nanocin products.

Are optimal transfection conditions cell line dependent?

Yes, each cell line may require optimisation of transfection conditions. The Nanocin protocols, available in each reagent’s page, provide a convenient starting point. At Tecrea we are constantly working to provide optimum protocols for specific cell lines e.g. CHO, HEK, HeLa, and many more. You can contact us for advice and suggestions.

Is cell density important for consideration?

Yes, cell density will affect transfection efficiencies and reagent requirements. Please check the protocols for density recommendations.

Can antibiotics be used in media during transfection?

Nanocin products work well in the presence or absence of antibiotics properties.

Can I perform transfections in the presence of serum?

Yes, Nanocin products work in the presence of serum. However, as with most or all transfection reagents, Nanocin is more efficient when used in the absence of serum. For optimal results, particularly when working with difficult to transfect cells, we suggest transfection in the absence of serum.

How critical is the length of transfection complex formation incubation period?

The complexation time is not critical, but we recommend using a consistent incubation period when conducting different experiments.

Is it possible to perform multiple transfections on cells?

Yes. Nanocin products are effectively non-toxic, therefore it is possible to perform multiple consecutive transfections on cells in order to obtain a prolonged effect of overexpression or knockdown.

What types of molecules can be transfected using Nanocin?

Nanocin products can be used to transfect DNA, RNA, siRNA, antisense DNA, PNA, oligonucleotides, small molecules, and proteins including antibodies and peptides.

Can Nanocin products be used to co-transfect more than one plasmid simultaneously?

Yes, Nanocin products have been validated to effectively and reproducibly co-transfect DNA plasmids to a variety of mammalian cells.

Can Nanocin products be used to co-transfect plasmid and siRNA?

Yes, however it is important to mix plasmid with Nanocin PLASMID reagent and siRNA with Nanocin RNA reagent and add to cells separately.

What is the stability of Nanocin?

Nanocin products are very stable and can be shipped at room temperature. They can be stored at 2-8°C for at least two years, or stored at room temperature on the bench for up to one month. Wherever they are stored, Nanocin products should be protected from light to retain stability.

What is nanotechnology?

“Nanotechnology is the term given to those areas of science and engineering where phenomena that take place at dimensions in the nanometre scale are utilised in the design, characterisation, production and application of materials, structures, devices and systems.”

– Scientific Commitee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks of the European Comission.

To learn more about nanoparticles and nanotechnology, please follow this link.

What is the shelf life of Nanocin products?

Nanocin is a very stable reagent. At the time of dispatch, we ensure that the expiry date on kits is at least one year. We welcome any questions about the stability or shelf life of the reagents.

Nanocin PLASMID FAQs

Is Nanocin PLASMID compatible with all types of plasmids?

Yes, you can use any plasmid with Nanocin PLASMID, although very large plasmids may require protocol optimisation. In some cases, adjusting the Nanocin PLASMID to plasmid ratio can improve efficiency with large plasmids.

Is Nanocin PLASMID compatible with all cell types?

Yes, but each cell line may require optimisation of transfection conditions. The Nanocin protocols provide a convenient starting point and or you can contact us for further guidance.

Is Nanocin PLASMID compatible with linear or single stranded DNA?

Yes. Nanocin PLASMID will complex with all types of nucleic acids. Plasmid are the most common type of DNA used in delivery, but the protocols can be applied to any form of DNA as long as you know the concentration.

Is the buffer included important?

Yes; the buffer is optimised to improve efficiency and consistency.

Nanocin RNA FAQs

Is Nanocin RNA compatible with all types of RNA?

Yes, you can use any RNA with Nanocin RNA. Most users are interested in siRNA applications, however other forms of RNA can be used, details of which are available in the protocol.

Is Nanocin RNA compatible with all cell types?

Yes, but each cell line may require optimisation of transfection conditions. The Nanocin protocols provide a convenient starting point and or you can contact us for further guidance.

Nanocin PRO FAQs

Is Nanocin PRO compatible with all types of proteins and peptides?

The world of proteins and peptides is particularly diverse, meaning protocol adjustments may be needed. The protocol has been developed to maximise the chance of success with a wide range of proteins and peptides. In some cases adjusting the Nanocin PRO to protein or peptide ratio can improve efficiency. If you would like to discuss your particular protein or peptide, please contact us.

Is Nanocin PRO compatible with all cell types?

Yes, but each cell line may require optimisation of delivery conditions.

Is Nanocin PRO a transfection reagent?

Formally, transfection is used in association with nucleic acids, but it is often used loosely to describe the delivery of other types of compounds into cells. At Tecrea, we prefer to say that Nanocin PRO is a “delivery reagent”.

Nanocin SM FAQs

Is Nanocin SM compatible with all small molecules?

The range of small molecules (SM) used in research and medicine is hugely varied, so the application of Nanocin SM may require optimisations. However, the protocol has been developed to maximise the chance of success with a wide range of small molecules. In some cases, adjusting the Nanocin SM to small molecule ratio can improve efficiencies. If you would like to discuss you particular SM, please contact us.

Is Nanocin SM compatible with all cell types?

Yes, but each cell line may require optimisation of delivery conditions.

Is Nanocin SM a transfection reagent?

Formally, transfection is used in association with nucleic acids, but it is often used loosely to describe the delivery of other types of compounds into cells. At Tecrea, we prefer to say that Nanocin SM is a “delivery reagent”.