Study on magnetic gene transfer using HTS bulk magnet

•DNA–magnetite complexes were prepared as ferromagnetic DNA carrier.•The condition of magnetic field to suppress the diffusion was found by calculation.•The result of model experiment showed the validity of the calculated value.•The results of in vivo experiments showed that the amount of gene expression was significantly increased by magnetic field. This study aimed to realize local and high-efficient gene expression by suppressing the diffusion of ferromagnetic DNA carriers in a strong magnetic field generated by HTS bulk magnet. DNA–magnetite complexes were prepared as ferromagnetic DNA carrier and the magnetic gene transfer using the DNA carriers was examined. From the results of the simulation and the model experiment, it was shown that the particle diffusion was suppressed within 10mm in diameter by the magnetic field at 20mm above the HTS bulk magnet. The results of in vivo experiments showed that the amount of gene expression was significantly increased by magnetic field.