A nanostraw cell culture system for long-term cell growth and transfection, the system comprising: a nanostraw well insert device comprising a cylindrical wall, a membrane, from which a plurality of nanostraws project, being connected across a base of the cylindrical wall to form a well, wherein the nanostraws project into the well greater than 0.1 microns; and an adapter configured to hold the nanostraw well insert device, the adapter comprising: a base comprising a base electrode, wherein the base is configured to securely hold the cylindrical wall of the nanostraw well insert device so that the plurality of nanostraws are in fluid communication with a reservoir depot over the base electrode; a cover comprising a top electrode, wherein the cover is configured to engage the base so that when a nanostraw well insert device is held within the base, the top electrode is separated from the base electrode with the nanostraw insert device enclosed there between; a first electrical contact on an outer surface of the adapter, wherein the first electrical contact is in electrical communication with the base electrode; and a second electrical contact on the outer surface of the adapter, wherein the second electrical contact is in electrical communication with the top electrode. a nanostraw well insert device comprising a cylindrical wall, a membrane, from which a plurality of nanostraws project, being connected across a base of the cylindrical wall to form a well, wherein the nanostraws project into the well greater than 0.1 microns; and an adapter configured to hold the nanostraw well insert device, the adapter comprising: a base comprising a base electrode, wherein the base is configured to securely hold the cylindrical wall of the nanostraw well insert device so that the plurality of nanostraws are in fluid communication with a reservoir depot over the base electrode; a cover comprising a top electrode, wherein the cover is configured to engage the base so that when a nanostraw well insert device is held within the base, the top electrode is separated from the base electrode with the nanostraw insert device enclosed there between; a first electrical contact on an outer surface of the adapter, wherein the first electrical contact is in electrical communication with the base electrode; and a second electrical contact on the outer surface of the adapter, wherein the second electrical contact is in electrical communication with the top electrode. a base comprising a base electrode, wherein the base is configured to securely hold the cylindrical wall of the nanostraw well insert device so that the plurality of nanostraws are in fluid communication with a reservoir depot over the base electrode; a cover comprising a top electrode, wherein the cover is configured to engage the base so that when a nanostraw well insert device is held within the base, the top electrode is separated from the base electrode with the nanostraw insert device enclosed there between; a first electrical contact on an outer surface of the adapter, wherein the first electrical contact is in electrical communication with the base electrode; and a second electrical contact on the outer surface of the adapter, wherein the second electrical contact is in electrical communication with the top electrode.