Optimization of Biolistic Transformation Parameters for Nicotiana tabacum

Biolistics is one of the widely used methods to deliver nucleic acids into plant cells. In this work, we optimized the protocol for biolistic transformation of Nicotiana tabacum with the gene gun PDS-1000/He Biolistic Particle Delivery System. The Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) gene was used as a marker. The optimal parameters for the transformation of N. tabacum leaf cells were determined as: pressure, 1350 psi; tungsten particle size, 1.3 μm; plasmid DNA purification method, ethanol re-precipitation. The results should be useful for the development of biolistic transformation protocols for plant cells, including application for plant genome editing of agricultural species.