Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 1, 2026
09:33
Determining Cell Number During Cell Culture using the Scepter Cell Counter
Published on: November 27, 2010
Sensitive determination of cell number using the CyQUANT cell proliferation assay
1Molecular Probes, Inc., 4849 Pitchford Avenue, Eugene, OR 97402, USA. laurie.jones@probes.com
Journal of Immunological Methods
|June 19, 2001
Summary
The CyQUANT cell proliferation assay offers a sensitive, fluorescence-based method for counting cultured cells. This assay accurately measures cell numbers and DNA/RNA content, simplifying proliferation studies.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biotechnology
- Assay Development
Background:
- Accurate cell counting is crucial for various biological studies.
- Existing methods for cell proliferation assays can be complex or lack sensitivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize a novel, sensitive fluorescence-based assay for determining cultured cell numbers.
- To establish the CyQUANT assay as a reliable tool for cell proliferation and growth inhibition studies.
Main Methods:
- Utilized CyQUANT GR dye, which enhances fluorescence upon binding to cellular nucleic acids.
- Measured fluorescence using standard fluorescein wavelengths.
- Validated the assay across a wide range of cell types and cell numbers.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated a linear correlation between fluorescence emission and cell number (r(2)>0.995).
- Achieved detection limits as low as 10-50 cells and upper limits of 250,000 cells with optimized dye concentration.
- Showed comparable results to [3H]-thymidine assays for serum-stimulated proliferation and could analyze DNA/RNA content.
Conclusions:
- The CyQUANT assay is a highly sensitive, linear, and versatile method for quantifying cell numbers.
- The assay is simple, convenient, requires no wash steps, and is automatable, making it suitable for high-throughput screening.
