Let’s Dive into Promega Celltiter 96(r) Aque 1000asys G3580
The Promega Celltiter 96(r) Aque 1000asys G3580 is a mouthful, but it represents a vital tool for any cell biology lab focused on proliferation and cytotoxicity studies. This assay kit from Promega provides a colorimetric method to quickly and accurately determine the number of viable cells. Its ease of use and reliability have made it a staple in research, but does it live up to its reputation and price tag of $669.99?
My background is not typical for a biologist, but I run a specialized research lab focusing on novel medical applications for tactical gear, including wound healing and infection prevention. Cell viability assays are essential for my research and I was looking for a faster, more reliable method that didn’t involve radioactive isotopes. This product promised exactly that, and frankly, the “One Solution” aspect was extremely appealing, minimizing the complexity of the protocol.
Unboxing was straightforward; the solution comes in a standard sterile bottle. My initial impression was positive. The clear instructions and reputation of Promega set expectations high.
I previously used the MTT assay and a manual cell counting method using a hemocytometer. The MTT assay was time-consuming, with multiple steps, while manual cell counting was prone to human error. I chose the Promega Celltiter 96(r) Aque 1000asys G3580 due to its single-solution format, promising reduced hands-on time and better reproducibility.
I was initially excited. Time is always of the essence, and the potential for faster, more accurate results was extremely appealing. The price was a factor, but I was willing to invest if it truly delivered on its promises of ease and reliability.
Real-World Testing: Putting Promega Celltiter 96(r) Aque 1000asys G3580 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Promega Celltiter 96(r) Aque 1000asys G3580 in my lab, evaluating the cytotoxicity of a new antimicrobial coating we were developing for combat bandages. I cultured fibroblasts (skin cells) and exposed them to different concentrations of the coating, then used the assay to assess cell viability after 24 hours. The protocol was incredibly simple. Add the reagent, incubate, and read the absorbance.
The assay performed consistently across different conditions. Even with minor variations in incubation time, the results were reliable. Ease of use was exactly as advertised; no complicated mixing or washing steps were needed.
My only initial issue was a slight inconsistency in absorbance readings between wells. I later realized this was due to air bubbles in the plate, which were easily eliminated with gentle tapping.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Promega Celltiter 96(r) Aque 1000asys G3580 for various cytotoxicity and proliferation studies, it has become a staple in my lab. The results have been highly consistent and reproducible. There are minimal signs of degradation of the reagent itself.
The reagent is stable at 4°C, making long-term storage straightforward. There is very minimal maintenance required, besides standard sterile lab practices. I am satisfied with this.
It significantly outperforms the MTT assay in terms of ease of use and reduces the variability I encountered with manual cell counting. The consistency of the results gives me greater confidence in my data.
Breaking Down the Features of Promega Celltiter 96(r) Aque 1000asys G3580
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Promega.
- Volume: 20 ml, sufficient for 1000 assays in a 96-well plate format.
- Availability: Sold as a single unit (“Each”).
The Promega Celltiter 96(r) Aque 1000asys G3580 relies on a tetrazolium compound called MTS. In viable cells, MTS is bioreduced into a colored formazan product. This conversion is directly proportional to the number of living cells.
Performance & Functionality
The Promega Celltiter 96(r) Aque 1000asys G3580 performs exceptionally well in determining cell viability. Its accuracy and reliability are crucial for my research. The assay consistently provides results that align with other validation methods.
The major strength is its ease of use. The weakness is the sensitivity to air bubbles in the plate, which can easily be mitigated. It far exceeds my expectations in terms of speed and convenience.
Design & Ergonomics
The Promega Celltiter 96(r) Aque 1000asys G3580 is designed for simplicity. The reagent is supplied ready-to-use, requiring no mixing or preparation. Its liquid form makes it easy to dispense into cell culture plates.
It is extremely user-friendly with minimal learning curve. Even new lab technicians can easily perform the assay with consistent results.
Durability & Maintenance
The reagent is stable for several months when stored properly at 4°C. This ensures that a single purchase can support numerous experiments over time. The stability makes it cost effective.
Minimal maintenance is required; good sterile technique and proper storage are sufficient. The assay itself doesn’t require any repair or complex maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The assay kit itself doesn’t come with accessories. However, it is compatible with any standard 96-well microplate reader. Data analysis can be customized to suit specific research needs.
No specific modifications are needed, though optimization of incubation time might be required depending on the cell type and experimental conditions. The product is incredibly adaptable.
Pros and Cons of Promega Celltiter 96(r) Aque 1000asys G3580
Pros
- Extremely easy to use: The single-solution format significantly reduces hands-on time and minimizes the risk of errors.
- Highly accurate and reliable: Consistently provides reproducible results, giving confidence in the data generated.
- Non-radioactive: Eliminates the safety concerns and disposal costs associated with radioactive assays.
- Versatile: Suitable for a wide range of cell types and experimental conditions.
- Rapid results: Provides results within a few hours, enabling faster data analysis and decision-making.
Cons
- Potential for air bubble interference: Air bubbles in the microplate can affect absorbance readings, requiring careful attention.
- Relatively expensive: The $669.99 price tag may be a barrier for labs with limited budgets.
Who Should Buy Promega Celltiter 96(r) Aque 1000asys G3580?
Perfect for: Cell biology researchers, drug discovery scientists, and anyone conducting cell proliferation or cytotoxicity assays. This is especially useful for labs needing high-throughput screening. Those who need speed and reliability will appreciate this.
Who should skip this product? Labs on extremely tight budgets might explore cheaper, albeit more labor-intensive, alternatives. Research where highly specialized fluorescent assays are needed might find other options more suitable.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A reliable 96-well microplate reader is essential. Otherwise, no specific modifications are required.
Conclusion on Promega Celltiter 96(r) Aque 1000asys G3580
The Promega Celltiter 96(r) Aque 1000asys G3580 is a powerful and convenient tool for assessing cell viability. Its ease of use, accuracy, and reliability make it a worthwhile investment for any cell biology lab. It drastically reduces the time and effort required for cell proliferation and cytotoxicity studies.
The price is justified by the time saved and the improved data quality. The Promega Celltiter 96(r) Aque 1000asys G3580 has become a critical part of our lab.
I would highly recommend this product to anyone seeking a faster, more reliable, and less hazardous method for cell viability assays. Invest in the Promega Celltiter 96(r) Aque 1000asys G3580 and experience the difference in your research today!