Lens-Free Imaging as a Sensor for Dynamic Cell Viability Detection Using the Neutral Red Uptake Assay

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Cell Biology
• Assay Development

Background:

• Neutral red is a common supravital stain for assessing cell viability.
• Traditional methods require a destructive dye extraction for quantification, limiting further live-cell analysis.
• Existing protocols are time-consuming and not amenable to continuous monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a non-destructive, live-cell quantification method for neutral red uptake.
• To reduce assay time and eliminate the need for destructive dye extraction.
• To enable continuous, high-throughput screening of cell viability in confined environments.

Main Methods:

• A compact, lens-free imaging system was employed for neutral red quantification.
• Two distinct light sources were utilized to identify cell perimeters and measure dye uptake.
• Quantification was performed in real-time during the staining process.

Main Results:

• The developed system successfully quantified neutral red uptake non-destructively.
• The assay time was significantly reduced by eliminating the extraction step.
• The method demonstrated potential for continuous live-cell monitoring.

Conclusions:

• A novel, non-destructive method for live-cell viability assessment using neutral red has been established.
• This lens-free system offers a faster and more efficient alternative to traditional spectrophotometric quantification.
• The technology is suitable for high-throughput screening applications within incubators.