Details for amaxa FAQ article #8

«I'm transfecting neurons in a mixed glial culture. Is there an 'optimal' way to influence cell survival and select neurons after nucleofection®?»

To improve survival it is crucial to change the
medium 4 hours post nucleofection since any
debris present in the culture will impair cell
survival. If you are interested in getting a pure
neuronal cell population as fast as possible, you
can switch to culture medium II including the
cytotoxin cytosine arabinoside (ARA-C) after
24 hours. Alternatively, you can increase cell
survival by exchanging with culture medium I
(containing no ARA-C) 4 hours post nucleofection
for another 24 or 48 hours.