Rapid Drug Screening of NQO1-Positive Cells Based on Impedance Technology without Cell Adhesion

This study introduces a rapid, label-free impedance-based approach for evaluating the effects of NQO1-targeting drugs on cancer cells. Departing from the traditional reliance on adherent cell cultures, the method utilizes suspended cells to eliminate the need for cell seeding, significantly reducing the total assay duration from over 48 h to less than 24 h. Unlike conventional assays like CCK8, which rely on end point metabolic measurements, impedance spectroscopy enables real-time, label-free monitoring of cellular responses by detecting dynamic changes in cell membrane integrity and intracellular conductivity. The study demonstrates that specific probing frequencies can identify subtle impedance variations, allowing earlier detection of cytotoxic responses by approximately 6-8 h ahead of CCK8. This makes it highly suitable for efficient drug screening. The streamlined impedance-based approach offers improved sensitivity, real-time capabilities, and faster assessment of drug interactions, highlighting its potential as an alternative for pharmacological research.