Cell growth measurement

Cell growth measurement

Quantifying cell population growth over time is essential in biological research and drug development. TribioScience’s XTT Cell Viability Assay Kit offers a reliable and efficient method for this purpose. The assay utilizes the reduction of yellow tetrazolium salt (XTT) to an orange formazan dye by mitochondrial oxidoreductases present only in living cells. This colorimetric change is directly proportional to the number of viable cells, allowing researchers to measure cell proliferation accurately by assessing absorbance at 450 nm. The water-soluble nature of the formazan dye eliminates the need for additional solubilization steps, streamlining the assay process.

Designed for high-throughput applications, the XTT assay is particularly useful for evaluating cell proliferation in response to various stimuli, including growth factors, cytokines, mitogens, and nutrients. It is also effective in assessing the cytotoxic effects of compounds such as anticancer drugs and other toxic agents. The assay’s simplicity—requiring no additional reagents or washing steps—combined with its non-radioactive and safe protocol, makes it suitable for large-scale screenings and routine laboratory use. By providing a direct correlation between absorbance and cell number, the XTT assay facilitates precise monitoring of cell growth dynamics over specified periods.

The protocol involves seeding cells in a 96-well plate, adding the XTT reagent mixed with an activator, and incubating the plate to allow the colorimetric reaction to occur. After incubation, the absorbance is measured using a spectrophotometer, providing quantitative data on cell viability and proliferation. The assay’s design minimizes handling steps, reducing the potential for variability and contamination. With a shelf-life of 12 months when stored at -20°C, the XTT Cell Viability Assay Kit is a convenient and reliable tool for researchers aiming to quantify cell population increases accurately over time.