Sensitive colorimetric cytotoxicity measurement using alarmar blue.

Cytotoxicity testing of anticancer drugs requires techniques which are sensitive, reproductible and applicable to large scale testing using automated instruments. End point staining of cells or viability stains are reliable but they are often not sensitive enough or not suitable for automation. We have already described a fluorometric cytotoxicity assay using a non fluorescent substrate, Alarmar Blue, which upon reduction in living cells, yields a fluorescent product. This assay is sensitive and highly reproductible but it is limited since automated fluorescent plate readers are not found frequently in laboratories. The conditions are now described for using Alamar Blue as a substrate in a colorimetric cytotoxicity assay. This new economical assay could be used with advantage for large scale screening of cytotoxic agents in microtitration plates.