Rapid cytotoxicity testing using a semi-automated protein determination on cultured cells

A rapid cytotoxicity screening procedure that measures the inhibition of protein synthesis in cultured cells is described. Cells are cultured in 96 microwell plates, test agents are added to the cultures, and the protein content of the cultures is then determined in the microwells using a modification of the Coomassie blue dye complex method. Absorbances in the wells are determined by scanning the plate in a microplate reader. The method is sensitive, rapid, reproducible and inexpensive, enabling the large-scale screening of potential toxicants. Results of the application of the procedure to the measurement of toxicity of 6 surfactants and 6 divalent metal ions are presented.