This video describes an electroporation-based method for encapsulating siRNA into exosomes. The siRNA-loaded exosomes can then be used for therapeutic applications.
Protocol
1. siRNA Encapsulation into Exosomes by Electroporation
Pre-chill the electroporation cuvette (see Table of Materials) on ice for 30 min before electroporation.
Mix 7.0 µg of exosomes (32 µL from 7 x 1012 p/mL stock in PBS) with 0.33 µg of siRNA (12 µL from 2 µM stock in RNase-free water) in the microcentrifuge tube. Make up the volume to 150 µL with citric acid buffer (see Table of Materials). The exosome to siRNA molar ratio is 1:60 in this case.
Transfer the mixture to electroporation cuvette. Cap the cuvette and place it in the cuvette holder of the electroporator (see Table of Materials). Rotate the turning wheel 180° clockwise. NOTE: The wheel must be turned completely to the locked position, in order for the cuvette to contact the electrodes.
Select the desired electroporation program (e.g., X-01, X-05, A-20, T-20, T-30, etc.) and start electroporation by pressing the start button. NOTE: A successful pulse is indicated by showing "OK" on the display.
Once electroporated, remove the cuvette after turning back the wheel 180° counterclockwise. Withdraw the sample from the cuvette with the plastic pipette for further processing.
siRNA Encapsulation into Exosomes Using Electroporation: An Electric Pulse Based Technique to Load siRNA into Exosomes. J. Vis. Exp. (Pending Publication), e20566, doi: (2023).