Viability assay

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Viability assay is a method used in cell biology and microbiology to determine the number of viable cells in a sample. It is an important technique in various fields such as medicine, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals. Viability assays are commonly used to assess the effectiveness of drugs, toxins, or environmental conditions on cell survival.

Principles

Viability assays work by distinguishing between living and dead cells based on specific characteristics. Common methods include staining cells with dyes that are selectively taken up by either live or dead cells, measuring metabolic activity, or assessing cell membrane integrity.

Types of Viability Assays

There are several types of viability assays commonly used in research and clinical settings. Some of the most widely used methods include:

• Trypan blue exclusion assay
• MTT assay
• Propidium iodide staining
• Calcein-AM assay
• Annexin V assay

Applications

Viability assays play a crucial role in various applications, including:

• Drug discovery and development
• Toxicity testing
• Cancer research
• Microbial studies
• Environmental monitoring

Importance

Viability assays are essential for understanding the effects of different treatments on cell viability and overall cell health. They provide valuable information for researchers and clinicians to make informed decisions regarding experimental conditions and treatment strategies.

See Also

• Cell viability
• Cell culture
• Cell counting