No, the MTT assay is generally considered a cost-effective method for assessing cell viability and proliferation in research and laboratory settings.
The affordability of the MTT assay contributes to its widespread use in pharmacology, toxicology, and cell biology for various applications, including drug screening and cytotoxicity testing.
Cost Comparison: MTT vs. WST-1 Assay
When compared to other common cell viability assays, the MTT assay stands out for its lower cost per sample. For instance, studies have shown a significant price difference between MTT and WST-1 assays.
| Assay Type | Approximate Cost per 96-Well Plate | Relative Cost |
|---|---|---|
| MTT | $4 | Cost-effective |
| WST-1 | $14 | More expensive (3x more than MTT) |
This comparison highlights that the MTT assay is considerably more economical, costing approximately three times less than a WST-1 assay for the same plate format.
Factors Influencing Overall Assay Costs
While the core reagents for an MTT assay are inexpensive, the total cost can be influenced by several factors:
- Reagents: The primary cost comes from the MTT tetrazolium salt and the solvent (like DMSO or isopropanol) used to dissolve the formazan crystals. Culture media, serum, and other supplements needed for cell growth also contribute.
- Consumables: The cost of sterile 96-well plates, pipettes, and tips adds up, especially for high-throughput experiments.
- Equipment: An initial investment in a microplate reader (spectrophotometer) capable of measuring absorbance at the appropriate wavelength (typically 570 nm) is necessary. While a one-time cost, it's a significant part of setting up an assay.
- Labor: The time spent by researchers on assay preparation, execution, and data analysis also represents a cost factor.
Despite these contributing factors, the MTT assay remains a preferred choice for many laboratories due to its relative simplicity, established protocols, and significantly lower reagent cost compared to newer alternatives.
For more information on the MTT assay and its applications, you can refer to resources on cell viability assays.
