Cell viability assessment is a critical step in various fields of research, including drug discovery, toxicology, and cell biology. Among the many methods available, the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) has gained popularity for its accuracy, speed, and simplicity. In this article, we explore how the CCK-8 assay works and its applications in cell viability assessment.

The CCK-8 assay is based on the principle of detecting the reduction of a colorless water-soluble tetrazolium salt (WST-8) to an orange-colored formazan dye by cellular dehydrogenases in viable cells. The amount of formazan dye generated is directly proportional to the number of living cells, making it a reliable indicator of cell viability.

One of the key advantages of the CCK-8 assay is its sensitivity. The assay can detect changes in cell viability even at low cell densities, making it ideal for use in experiments BODIPY-Cholesterol where cell numbers may be limited. Additionally, the CCK-8 assay is non-toxic to cells, allowing for multiple measurements to be taken over time without affecting cell viability.

The CCK-8 assay is also highly versatile and can be used to assess cell viability in a wide range of cell types, including adherent and suspension cells. Furthermore, the assay can be easily adapted for use in high-throughput screening, making it suitable for large-scale studies.

To perform the CCK-8 assay, cells are typically seeded in a 96-well plate and treated with the compound of interest. After the appropriate incubation period, the CCK-8 reagent is added to each well, and the plate is incubated again. The absorbance of the formazan dye is then measured using a microplate reader, with a lower absorbance indicating higher cell viability.

In conclusion, the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay is a powerful tool for assessing cell viability in a wide range of experimental settings. Its sensitivity, ease of use, and versatility make it a valuable asset for researchers in various fields. Whether you are studying cell proliferation, cytotoxicity, or drug screening, the CCK-8 assay provides a reliable and efficient method for evaluating cell viability.