The Lonza Nucleofector 4D-96 Electroporation System is a state-of-the-art platform designed for highly efficient and gentle transfection of a wide range of cell types, particularly hard-to-transfect cells. This system, specifically featuring the 4D-Nucleofector® 96-well Unit, enables researchers to introduce DNA, RNA, ribonucleoproteins (RNPs), or proteins directly into the cell nucleus, ensuring superior transfection efficiencies while maintaining high cell viability. It is a modular component of the broader 4D-Nucleofector® System, which is renowned for its advanced Amaxa Nucleofector Technology.

Primary Function: Performs high-efficiency transfection of hard-to-transfect cells in a 96-well format. It also accepts single nucleocuvettes for flexible experimental setups.

Technical Specifications:

1. Manufacturer: Lonza
2. Model: 4D-Nucleofector® 96-well Unit (Part Code: AAF-1003S), part of the 4D-Nucleofector® System (Core Unit Part Code: AAF-1003B)
3. Dimensions (96-well Unit): 24.5 × 10.5 × 28 cm (9.7 × 4.1 × 11.0 in) (w × d × h)
4. Weight (96-well Unit): 4.7 kg (10.4 lb)
5. Power Supply: 110 VAC +10%/-20% or 240 VAC +10%/-20% 50–60 Hz, self–regulating
6. Power Consumption: 0 VA (power off) / 20 VA (idle) / 140 VA (busy - during transfection)
7. Parameters: Optimized electrical parameters with up to 96 independent programs runnable per plate, processed automatically in less than 2 minutes
8. Solutions: Utilizes cell type-specific solutions for direct transfer of molecules into the cell nucleus, ensuring optimal results
9. Cell Numbers: Variable cell numbers from 10⁴ – 10⁶ cells per reaction
10. Throughput: Modular 6 × 16-well Nucleocuvette® Plate for scalable throughput; each well can be addressed individually for optimization
11. Compatibility: Only compatible with the Next Generation 4D-Nucleofector® Core Unit (AAF-1003B)

Capabilities & Benefits:

1. Achieves high transfection efficiencies (up to 90% for plasmid DNA and 99% for oligonucleotides) with excellent preservation of cell viability and physiological status.
2. Offers convenient and rapid determination of optimal Nucleofection conditions for a broad range of primary cells and cell lines.
3. Seamless transfer of optimized conditions between different Nucleofector® platforms (e.g., 4D-Nucleofector® System, 384-well Nucleofector® System).
4. Features an intuitive software interface, often with an 8-inch touchscreen display on the Core Unit, for easy experimental setup and control.
5. Access to Lonza's extensive library of over 750 optimized protocols for various cell types.
6. Supports transfection of diverse substrates including DNA, RNA, RNP's, peptides, and proteins.

Applications:

1. Suitable for primary cells, stem cells (iPSCs, ESCs, MSCs), and neurons.
2. Gene expression studies and protein production.
3. Genome editing using CRISPR/Cas9 and TALENs.
4. Screening of cDNA, RNAi, or CRISPR libraries.
5. Transformation of bacteria.
6. Drug discovery and immunotherapy research (translational and pre-clinical workflows).
7. Cell line optimization and assay establishment.

Integration: Integrated with the Microlab VANTAGE Liquid Handling System workstation, which also includes the Cytation 5, STX-220 tri-gas incubator, and LabElite ID capper/de-capper for high-throughput experimentation.