A novel method for genetic transformation of C. albicans using modified-hydroxyapatite nanoparticles as a plasmid DNA vehicle

Abstract

In modern biological research, genetic transformation is an important molecular biology technique with extensive applications. In this work, we describe a new method for the delivery of plasmid DNA (pDNA) into a yeast species, Candida albicans. This method is based on the use of novel arginine–glucose–PEG functionalized hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (M-HAp NPs) as a vehicle which delivers pDNA into Candida albicans with a high transformation efficiency of 10⁶ cfu μg⁻¹ of pDNA, without the need for preparation of competent cells. A four-fold higher transformation efficiency as compared to that of the electroporation method was obtained. This new method could provide exciting opportunities for the advancement of the applications of yeasts in the field of biotechnology.