title: Development of rapid microwave-mediated and low-temperature bacterial transformations.
abstract: The introduction of exogenous DNA into Escherichia coli is a cornerstone of molecular biology. Herein, we investigate two new mechanisms for bacterial transformation involving either the use of microwave irradiation or a freeze-thaw protocol in liquid nitrogen. Ultimately, both methods afforded successful transfer of plasmid DNA into bacterial cells, with the freeze-thaw technique yielding efficiencies of ~10(5). More importantly, both techniques effectively eliminated the need for the preparation of competent cells.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, The College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA 23187 USA.
authors.forename: Valerie T
authors.initials: VT
authors.lastname: Tripp
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, The College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA 23187 USA.
authors.forename: Johnathan C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Maza
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, The College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA 23187 USA.
authors.forename: Douglas D
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Young
keywords: Bacterial transformation; Microwave irradiation; Molecular biology