Cell Viability Assessment with Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8)
Cell Viability Assessment with Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8)
Blog Article
Cell viability assessment is a critical step in various fields of research, including drug discovery, toxicology, and cell biology. Among the many methods available, the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) has gained popularity for its accuracy, speed, and simplicity. In this article, we explore how the CCK-8 assay works and its applications in cell viability assessment.
The CCK-8 assay is based on the principle of detecting the reduction of a colorless water-soluble tetrazolium salt (WST-8) to an orange-colored formazan dye by cellular dehydrogenases in viable cells. The amount of formazan dye generated is directly proportional to the number of living cells, making it a reliable indicator of cell viability.
One of the key advantages of the CCK-8 assay is its sensitivity. The assay can detect changes in cell viability even at low cell densities, making it ideal for use in experiments where cell numbers may be limited. Additionally, the CCK-8 assay is non-toxic to cells, allowing for multiple measurements to be taken over time without affecting cell viability.
The CCK-8 assay is also highly versatile and can be used to assess cell viability in a wide range of cell types, including adherent and suspension cells. Furthermore, the assay can be easily adapted for use in high-throughput screening, making it suitable Nile Red for large-scale studies.
To perform the CCK-8 assay, cells are typically seeded in a 96-well plate and treated with the compound of interest. After the appropriate incubation period, the CCK-8 reagent is added to each well, and the plate is incubated again. The absorbance of the formazan dye is then measured using a microplate reader, with a lower absorbance indicating higher cell viability.
In conclusion, the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay is a powerful tool for assessing cell viability in a wide range of experimental settings. Its sensitivity, ease of use, and versatility make it a valuable asset for researchers in various fields. Whether you are studying cell proliferation, cytotoxicity, or drug screening, the CCK-8 assay provides a reliable and efficient method for evaluating cell viability.