A high-throughput three-dimensional cell migration assay for toxicity screening with mobile device-based macroscopic...

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Cell Biology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Increasing demand for in vitro toxicity screening in three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models.
• Limitations of current 2D assays in predicting in vivo responses.
• Need for novel, high-throughput, and quantitative toxicity assessment methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel 3D cell culture assay for toxicity screening.
• To assess the correlation between cell ring closure rate and drug concentration.
• To evaluate the feasibility of using mobile devices for image acquisition and analysis.

Main Methods:

• Utilized magnetic levitation to create 3D cell rings from human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293) and tracheal smooth muscle cells (SMCs).
• Monitored ring closure over time using time-lapse imaging, with analysis performed on images captured by a mobile device.
• Tested the assay's response to known toxicants: ibuprofen and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS).

Main Results:

• Ring closure rate was quantitatively correlated with drug concentration.
• Observed correlation between 3D ring closure and 2D cell viability and migration.
• Mobile device imaging provided comparable analytical results to traditional microscopy.
• The assay demonstrated label-free and quantitative measurement of toxicity.

Conclusions:

• 3D cell ring closure assay using magnetic levitation is a promising tool for in vitro toxicity screening.
• The assay is label-free, quantitative, and amenable to high-throughput screening.
• Mobile device integration offers a cost-effective and accessible approach for image analysis in 3D cell-based assays.