Cytotoxicity Screening

• Cell membrane integrity (LDH release)
• Cell viability (ATP content)
• HepG2 cells or other preferable cell type

Cytotoxicity (i.e. being toxic to cells) is almost by default an unwanted characteristic in drug discovery and development since cytotoxic compounds could have serious adverse effects. In addition, results of cytotoxicity assay can be used to guide testing concentrations of other assays, e.g. drug interaction studies to avoid overt toxicity. Fortunately, cytotoxicity can be studied by several in vitro methods based on measuring cell viability or cell death.

In our cell membrane integrity assay, cell death is assessed by measuring LDH release to cell culture medium, dead cell specific protease activity or using DNA-binding dye. Cell viability can be assessed in parallel to cell death by measuring the amount of ATP, as dead or dying cells have diminished ATP levels. All our cytotoxicity assays utilize fluorescence/luminescence analysis and deliver % cytotoxic / viable cells compared to control toxicant / vehicle. Comprehensive studies aim to identify the EC50 / lowest observed adverse effect concentration.