The Necessity of Radicals for Gene Transfection by Discharge Plasma Irradiation

The authors parametrically investigated gene transfer process with a micro capillary discharge. Several factors and the time scale at which they become effective were studied. The conclusion is that half of transfections occur during plasma irradiation and the other half occur after plasma irradiation is stopped. As the electric field and current become zero after plasma irradiation is terminated, we conclude that during that period radical species are necessary for the transfection.