Optimization of the sulforhodamine B colorimetric assay

Sulforhodamine B (SRB) protein staining has been widely used for cell proliferation and chemosensitivity testing, substituting for tetrazolium-based assays. However, the cell fixation step in the original assay is subject to error. We tested whether aspiration of medium with an automatic microplate multiwash device prior to fixation improves the method for adherent cells. A panel of adherent cell lines was used. Signal-to-noise ratios were significantly increased in the new assay. Coefficients of variation (CV) between replicate wells were significantly lower especially at lower cell densities. The linearity of the method improved, with absolute linearity over the whole range of cell densities. The aspiration procedure dislodged only negligible numbers of cells. Cytotoxicity testing using the cytotoxic agent paclitaxel showed no IC50 (50% inhibitory concentration) differences between the new and original methods but a better CV was associated with the optimized protocol. We conclude that aspiration of the growth medium prior to fixing comprises a safe and reliable practice which improves CV, linearity and the signal-to-noise ratio of the SRB assay.