Cell Counting & Health Analysis
Cell counting is an essential process in cell culture, enabling researchers to monitor cell doubling time and quantify cells prior to experiments or manufacturing processes. Routine monitoring of cultured cells is necessary not only to assess proliferation, but also to evaluate cell viability, cytotoxicity, and other key indicators of cell health. The selection of an appropriate assay for counting cells depends on factors such as the type of cells in culture, the specific application of the study, and the required throughput. Accurate quantification of cultured cells is critical before sub-culturing, transfections, genomic studies, cryopreservation, or any other manipulations, ensuring reliable results and maintaining cell integrity throughout the experimental process.
Overview
Manual Cell Counting
Cell counting chambers like the hemocytometer with Neubauer grids are common devices for manual/visual cell counting. A small aliquot of cell suspension is loaded onto the chamber of a gridded, precision-ground glass device, where it disperses over the etched grid by capillary action. The cells are visualized under the microscope and counted using a manual counter. The predefined volume of the chamber and the grid system are used to calculate the cell concentration. Imaging-based systems are available that automate the counting process.
Automated Cell Counting
Many automated cell counting devices use the same visual counting dyes and principles used in hemocytometry. Unlike automated cell counters that rely on object recognition, devices based on the Coulter principle have gained popularity for usability and precision. Coulter counters pump cell suspensions through a sensor that detects cells based on a change in electrical resistance. This allows more reliable detection of cells, even small cells, and high-accuracy cell counts. Portable models that are handheld (similar to a pipette) allow direct cell counts from the culture hood.
Cell Viability Assays - DNA Synthesis
Monitoring active DNA-synthesis in cells is the basis for some cell proliferation assays. DNA replication can be measured by incorporating modified nucleosides, such as radioactive 3H-Thymidine or non-radioactive bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), which is detected with an antibody.
Cell Viability Assays - Metabolic Activity
Calorimetric assays that measure metabolic activity are suitable for analyzing cell proliferation, cell viability, and cytotoxicity. The reduction of tetrazolium salts such as MTT, XTT, and WST-1 to colored formazan compounds occurs only in metabolically active cells. The presence of ATP is also an indicator of metabolic activity. In the firefly luciferase reporter assay, ATP produced by dividing cells is used to oxidize D-Luciferin, which yields a bioluminescent light as the readout.
Cell Viability Assays - Dye Exclusion
Trypan Blue staining is commonly used for viable cell counting. This method is based on the principle that live cells do not take up the dye, whereas dead cells take up the dye and appear blue under a microscope.
Cell Viability Assays - Fluorescent Cell Viability Assays
5(6)-Carboxyfluorescein diacetate N-succinimidyl ester (CFSE) labeling is a popular choice for measuring the number of completed cell division cycles in a cell population. Another membrane-permeable dye, Calcein-AM, is not fluorescent by itself but emits a strong green fluorescence once it is hydrolyzed in a viable cell. In contrast, the nuclear dye propidium iodide (PI) can only reach the nucleus by passing through the compromised membrane of dead cells. Since both Calcein and PI-DNA can be excited with 490 nm light, simultaneous live/dead monitoring is possible with a single-excitation fluorescence microscope.