Cell density and solvent are critical parameters affecting formazan evaluation in MTT assay

Abstract

The aim of this study was to establish the more accurate protocol for fibroblast cell viability using MTT assay. NIH/3T3 fibroblasts were seeded at the following cell densities: 3.125×103; 1.156x104; 3.125x104; 1.156x105 and 3.125x105 cells/cm2. Following 24h of seeding, MTT was added to the wells. After 4h of the MTT addition, different solvents were added to solubilize the formazan crystals: 1) HCl/SDS group- 20% SDS and 0.01 M HCl; 2) EtOH/ HAc group-50% ethanol and 1% acetic acid; 3) DMSO group- 99.5% dimethyl sulfoxide; and 4) PropOH group- 99.5% isopropanol. The absorbance values were measured using a spectrophotometer at 570 nm. The data were analyzed by 2-way ANOVA (p<0.05) and showed that the absorbance average varied according to the number of cells and solvents: HCl/SDS (0 to 0.13), EtOH/HAc (0 to 0.22), DMSO (0.76 to 1.31) and PropOH (0.66 to 1.04). The DMSO and PropOH groups presented the most appropriate protocols for NIH/3T3 fibroblasts cell viability, especially at the density of 1.156x104 cells/cm2.