Merck, 11465007001, Cell Proliferation Kit I (MTT)

The Cell Proliferation Kit I (MTT) is a colorimetric assay for the nonradioactive quantification of cellular proliferation, viability, and cytotoxicity. Sample material is either adherent or suspension cells cultured in 96-well microplates. Colorimetric assays analyze the number of viable cells by the cleavage of tetrazolium salts added to the culture medium. This technique requires neither washing nor harvesting of cells, and the complete assay, from microculture to data analysis by an ELISA reader, is performed in the same microplate. MTT was the first tetrazolium salt described. It is cleaved to formazan by enzymes of the endoplasmic reticulum. This bioreduction occurs in viable cells only, and is related to NAD(P)H production through glycolysis. Therefore, the amount of formazan dye formed directly correlates to the number of metabolically active cells in the culture. Colorimetric assay (MTT based) for the nonradioactive quantification of cellular proliferation, viability, and cytotoxicity.