Promega CellTiter-Glo 3D Cell Viability Assay for 3D microtissue culture

Promega has launched an assay validated for assessing the viability of cells in three-dimensional (3D) microtissue model systems. CellTiter-Glo 3D Cell Viability Assay penetrates large 3D microtissue samples to provide accurate determination of viable cells.

The assay has been validated on a range of 3D microtissue model systems, generated using scaffold and scaffold-free systems. It uses Ultra-Glo recombinant luciferase in a solution optimised to penetrate denser 3D microtissues for a complete release of ATP and accurate assessment of viability by luminescence detection.

Scientists have found that 3D microtissue cell culture models better reproduce the cell-to-cell and cell-to-matrix interactions occurring in living organisms, providing a more predictive in-vitro experimental model system. Several commercial cell-based assays were developed using 2D monolayer models and are said to be less effective on denser 3D microtissue models; unable to fully penetrate larger 3D microtissue spheroids.

The product has a simple add-mix-incubate-measure protocol that is completed in 30 min or less. The reagent includes optimised detergent concentration, ATPase inhibitors for protection of released ATP, thermostable Ultra-Glo recombinant luciferase and luciferin.

CellTiter-Glo 3D reagent acts on 3D microtissue cultures to release ATP, which is then consumed in the luciferase reaction to produce a stable glow-type luminescence. The amount of light produced correlates with the number of viable cells in culture. The simple protocol and high sensitivity of the assay make it amenable to higher throughput screening applications.