Liposome Mediated Gene Transfer
Liposomes are small lipid bags, in which large number of plasmids are enclosed. They can be induced to fuse with protoplasts using devices like PEG, and therefore have been used for gene transfer. The technique offers following advantages: (i) protection of DNA/RNA from nuclease digestion, (ii) low cell toxicity, (iii) stability of nucleic acids due to encapsulation in liposomes, (iv) high degree of reproducibility and (v) applicability to a wide range of cell types. In this technique, DNA enters the protoplasts due to endocytosis of liposomes, involving the following steps:

Fusion of Plasmid-Filled Liposomes with Isolated Protoplasts as a Method of Plasmid Uptake

(i). adhesion of liposomes to the protoplast surface, (ii) fusion of liposomes at the site of adhesion and (iii) release of plasmids inside the cell. The technique has been successfully used to deliver DNA into the protoplasts of a number of plant species (e.g. tobacco, petunia, carrot, etc.).