Highly efficient transformation of the diatom phaeodactylum tricornutum by multi-pulse electroporation

Abstract

A highly efficient nuclear transformation method was established for the pennate diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum using an electroporation system that drives multi-sequence pulses to introduce foreign DNAs into the cells. By optimizing pulse conditions, the diatom cells can be transformed without removing rigid silicabased cell walls, and high transformation efficiency (about 4,500 per 108 cells) is achieved.