MTT Assay

The MTT assay is a method used to measure cell viability. It uses the metabolic activity of cells to estimate the amount of living cells in a well. The cells are incubated with a dye called 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT). The dye is then converted by mitochondrial enzymes in viable cells to a purple formazan compound. This compound can then be quantified through spectrophotometric or fluorescent measurements. The MTT assay is a simple, cost-effective and quantitative method used to measure cell viability and can be used to analyze a variety of cell types. It is particularly useful in drug discovery, toxicity testing and stem cell research.