Nuclear transformation and functional gene expression in the oleaginous microalga Monoraphidium neglectum.

•Nuclear genetic transformation of the oleaginous microalga M. neglectum by electroporation was established.•A pretreatment with lithium acetate and DTT increased electroporation efficiency for this microalga markedly.•Ionic strength of the electroporation buffer was identified as a crucial factor determining the transformation efficiency and an improved buffer of potentially general applicability is proposed.