Lentiviral Transduction Calculator
Calculate lentiviral transduction mix volumes using estimated cell number, target MOI, functional lentiviral titer (TU/mL), and transduction volume. Determine how much lentivirus, media, and optional polybrene to prepare while generating documentation-ready results for ELNs and laboratory records.
Lentiviral Transduction Calculator
Optional Settings
Results
Working Dilution Preparation
Transduction Mix Preparation
Experimental Conditions
Lab Summary Card
Formula and Calculation Logic
This calculator estimates lentiviral transduction setup volumes from the estimated cell number at transduction, desired MOI, functional lentiviral titer, final transduction volume, sample count, overage, optional working dilution, and optional polybrene.
TU/mL refers to functional transducing units per mL. When the titer is entered as TU/mL, the calculator converts the stock volume from mL to µL for practical setup. If TU/µL is selected, the virus stock volume is calculated directly in µL.
MOI is a planning input, not a guarantee of percent transduced cells. Cell type, vector design, promoter, receptor availability, culture condition, and exposure time can all change the observed transduction efficiency.
Use the estimated cell number at the time of transduction rather than only the original seeding density. Cells may divide, die, or attach unevenly between plating and transduction, which changes the effective MOI.
Example Workflow
A scientist is planning a lentiviral transduction experiment in a multiwell plate and needs to prepare enough transduction mix for all wells using an estimated cell number at the time of transduction, a target MOI, lentiviral titer, and optional polybrene.
Enter the estimated cells per well, number of wells, desired MOI, lentiviral titer, transduction volume, overage, and optional polybrene settings.
Review the working dilution, virus volume, media volume, optional polybrene volume, and total transduction mix required for all samples.
Prepare the transduction mix, dispense consistently, and document MOI, titer, cell estimate, vector or lot ID, polybrene condition, exposure time, and media-change timing in the ELN.
Common Mistakes
Base MOI calculations on the best estimate of cells present when virus is added, not only the number originally plated.
Over-confluent cultures can change growth state, receptor availability, viability, and apparent transduction efficiency.
MOI describes input viral units per cell. It does not directly predict the final percentage of transduced cells.
Use a functional titer such as TU/mL for MOI planning whenever possible. Physical particle measurements may not represent infectious activity.
Include extra volume for pipette tips, tubes, reservoirs, and small dispensing losses so every well receives the intended volume.
Volumes below ~2 µL deserve extra caution because small pipetting errors can meaningfully change the effective MOI. Consider preparing an intermediate working dilution.
High MOI can increase toxicity, stress responses, and multiple integration events. Optimize conditions empirically for each cell type and vector.
Record cell estimate, MOI, titer method, vector or lot ID, polybrene condition, spinfection, exposure time, media change timing, and passage details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a lentiviral transduction calculator used for?
It estimates lentivirus, media, optional polybrene, working dilution, and total transduction mix volumes from cell number, MOI, titer, sample count, and final volume.
How do I calculate lentivirus volume from MOI?
Multiply cells by desired MOI to get viral units needed, then divide by the functional lentiviral titer. Scale across samples and overage for the final setup.
What is TU/mL and why does it matter?
TU/mL means transducing units per mL, a functional titer measurement. It matters because MOI calculations should use functional activity, not just particle count.
What MOI should I use for lentiviral transduction?
The best MOI depends on cell type, vector, promoter, expression goal, toxicity, and selection plan. Many workflows test a small MOI range before choosing a final condition.
Does MOI equal percent transduced cells?
No. MOI is the planned viral input per cell. Percent transduced depends on permissiveness, vector design, culture conditions, exposure time, and assay timing.
Should I use polybrene for lentiviral transduction?
Polybrene can improve transduction in some cell types, but sensitivity varies. Optimize concentration and exposure conditions before using it broadly.
What should I document for a lentiviral transduction experiment?
Document cell estimate, MOI, titer and titer method, vector or lot ID, polybrene condition, spinfection, exposure time, media-change timing, and culture state.