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Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Anticancer Metal Complexes: Synthesis and Cytotoxicity Evaluation by the MTT Assay

Anticancer Metal Complexes: Synthesis and Cytotoxicity Evaluation by the MTT Assay

Published on: November 10, 2013

Cell sensitivity assays: the MTT assay.

Johan van Meerloo¹, Gertjan J L Kaspers, Jacqueline Cloos

¹Department of Paediatric Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)

|April 26, 2011

Summary

The MTT assay measures mitochondrial activity by converting MTT into formazan crystals, reflecting cell viability. This method is widely used to assess drug cytotoxicity in vitro on various cell types.

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Area of Science:

Cell Biology
Biochemistry
Pharmacology

Background:

The MTT assay quantifies cellular metabolic activity.
Mitochondrial activity correlates with cell viability.
Drug-induced cytotoxicity is a key area of research.

Purpose of the Study:

To detail the protocol for the MTT assay.
To highlight critical considerations for assay execution.
To discuss the limitations and applications of the MTT assay.

Main Methods:

Utilizes 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT).
Measures the conversion of MTT to formazan crystals by viable cells.
Assesses mitochondrial reductase activity as an indicator of cell health.

Main Results:

The assay provides a quantitative measure of cell viability.
Formazan crystal formation is directly proportional to mitochondrial activity.
The MTT assay is effective for evaluating in vitro drug effects.

Conclusions:

The MTT assay is a reliable method for assessing cell viability and drug cytotoxicity.
Understanding assay parameters is crucial for accurate results.
The assay has broad applications in cell-based research and drug discovery.

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