A model for predicting field-directed particle transport in the magnetofection process.

Purpose: To analyze the magnetofection process in which magnetic carrier particles with surface-bound gene vectors are attracted to target cells for transfection using an external magnetic field and to obtain a fundamental understanding of the impact of key factors such as particle size and field strength on the gene delivery process.

Methods: A numerical model is used to study the field-directed transport of the carrier particle-gene vector complex to target cells in a conventional multiwell culture plate system. The model predicts the transport dynamics and the distribution of particle accumulation at the target cells.

Results: The impact of several factors that strongly influence gene vector delivery is assessed including the properties of the carrier particles, the strength of the field source, and its extent and proximity relative to the target cells.

Conclusions: The study demonstrates that modeling can be used to predict and optimize gene vector delivery in the magnetofection process for novel and conventional in vitro systems.