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Updated: Apr 5, 2026
Anticancer Metal Complexes: Synthesis and Cytotoxicity Evaluation by the MTT Assay
Published on: November 10, 2013
General Cytotoxicity Assessment by Means of the MTT Assay
Laia Tolosa1, María Teresa Donato, María José Gómez-Lechón
1Unidad de Hepatología Experimental, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Torre A, Avda Fernando Abril Martorell 106, 46026, Valencia, Spain.
Abstract:
Cytotoxicity assays were among the first in vitro bioassay methods used to predict toxicity of substances to various tissues. In vitro cytotoxicity testing provides a crucial means for safety assessment and screening, and for ranking compounds. The choice of using a particular cytotoxicity assay technology may be influenced by specific research goals. As such, four main classes of assays are used to monitor the response of cultured cells after treatment with potential toxicants. These methods measure viability, cell membrane integrity, cell proliferation, and metabolic activity. In this chapter, we focus on the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide tetrazolium reduction colorimetric assay to evaluate detrimental intracellular effects on metabolic activity. This assay is well-characterized, simple to use and remains popular in several laboratories worldwide.
Insights
Cytotoxicity assays predict substance toxicity using in vitro methods. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay is a popular, simple method to assess metabolic activity and cellular health.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- In vitro cytotoxicity assays are foundational for predicting substance toxicity to tissues.
- These assays are vital for safety assessment, compound screening, and ranking.
- Assay selection depends on specific research objectives, with four main classes monitoring viability, membrane integrity, proliferation, and metabolic activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay for evaluating intracellular metabolic effects.
- To emphasize the assay's utility in assessing detrimental intracellular impacts.
Main Methods:
- Focus on the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide tetrazolium reduction colorimetric assay.
- This method quantifies metabolic activity by measuring the reduction of tetrazolium salt by cellular enzymes.
Main Results:
- The MTT assay is a well-characterized and user-friendly method.
- It remains a widely adopted technique in numerous global laboratories for cytotoxicity assessment.
Conclusions:
- The MTT assay is a reliable and popular choice for evaluating cytotoxicity through metabolic activity.
- Its simplicity and established nature make it a valuable tool in toxicological research.
