Utilizing genes and quantum dots to verify the design and experimental performance of the electroporation biochip for transgenic zebrafishes

Abstract

This study was focused on the design and experimental verification of an electroporation (EP) biochip for transgenic zebrafishes (Danio rerio). For generating suitable pulses, a lab-built circuit was designed to provide suitable voltages (0~200 V) and produce almost 1,000-V/cm electric field in the transgenic zebra fish experiments. In addition, a novel biochip composed of biocompatible electrodes, holder device, and in-vitro electroporation chip was fabricated by micro electromechanical system (MEMS) technology. Modular design would aid replacing each component conveniently and rapidly. (CdSe)ZnS quantum dots, QDs, genes coding for green fluorescence protein, GFP, and trypan-blue dye were used to verify the successful transfection to the zebra fish embryos. The experimental results showed that the delivery rate was up to 62% utilizing an EP biochip to deliver trypan-blue dye, QDs or GFP genes into zebra fish embryos. This study demonstrated that the gene transfer could be easily accomplished by simply-designed circuit and quickly observed by quantum dots, and it will be helpful for applications to the elaboration of aquaculture fishery in the future.