3D Biomatrix and Cayman Chemical expand 3D cell culture optimized kit collaboration with a new cytotoxicity assay for measuring cell viability in three-dimensional (3D) spheroids.

From Ann Arbor, MI (PRWeb) April 3, 2014

3D Biomatrix Inc., a leader in three-dimensional cell culture products, is pleased to announce expansion of their 3D cell culture kit line, developed with Cayman Chemical, to include a new assay, Perfecta3D® LDH Cytotoxicity Assay Kit, for measuring the viability of 3D spheroids.

Researchers have long tested drug compounds and other factors affecting cell growth on flat surfaces in two dimensions (2D), but 2D cell cultures do not accurately represent how cells behave in the three-dimensional body. 3D cell cultures grown in the 3D Biomatrix Perfecta3D Hanging Drop Plates allow researchers to recapitulate these characteristics in vitro, providing a more physiologically-relevant model. The Perfecta3D Hanging Drop Plates facilitate the consistent and controllable growth of small spherical cellular 3D clusters in a well-plate format, allowing researchers to test compounds and other factors in a 3D environment that reflects the human body.

The new Perfecta3D LDH Cytotoxicity Assay Kit provides an easy-to-use format for cytotoxicity determination in 3D spheroids generated in the Perfecta3D Hanging Drop Plates. Measuring membrane permeability is one of the most common methods used to assess cell viability. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), a soluble enzyme located in the cytoplasm, is released into the surrounding environment upon cell damage or lysis, and can be used as an indicator of reduced cell-membrane integrity and as a cytotoxicity measurement marker.

The Perfecta3D LDH Cytotoxicity Assay is based on a coupled two-step reaction. In the first step, LDH catalyzes the reduction of NAD+ to NADH and the oxidation of lactate to pyruvate. In the second step, diaphorase uses the newly-formed NADH to reduce a tetrazolium salt (INT) to its highly-colored formazan derivative. The amount of formazan derivative produced is proportional to the amount of LDH in the culture medium.

“As more researchers incorporate 3D cell culture and cell-based assays into their experimental protocols, it is imperative that the market responds with specially-designed assays,” said 3D Biomatrix CEO Laura Schrader. “Our new Perfecta3D LDH Cytotoxicity Assay Kit provides researchers with an optimized tool for 3D cell culture and analysis.”

Jeff Johnson, Vice President of Biochemistry at Cayman Chemical added, “We look forward to continuation of our collaboration with 3D Biomatrix. The Perfecta3D Hanging Drop Plate adds versatility to our growing line of cell-based assays.”

More information about the Perfecta3D LDH Cytotoxicity Assay Kit, including ordering information, can be found on the 3D Biomatrix and Cayman Chemical websites.