Abstract: The biolistic technology has had a tremendous impact on research in plant and animal sciences. Particle-mediated gene delivery is known as an efficient method of non-viral gene transfer. And the advantage is that it can be used for both in vitro and in vivo, gene delivery to cells and tissues or organs which are more difficult in transgenesis. The hand-held gene gun is useful for in situ transfection of cells in skin and that of internal organs which is particular useful for animal transgenesis and gene therapy. These findings will arise further interests in application of this technology for more research and even production. This review sums up the progress of gene gun-mediated gene transfer in animals and do some analysis in the potential application of gene gun in animal transgenesis, its strengths and drawbacks, and prospects of the future development the gene gun.

Key words: gene gun; animal; transgenesis; immunization