How do CABR researchers test if a natural extract is safe for cells? (CABR Research Work Spotlight)

Joanne Hanifin, a TU RISE funded PhD researcher at CABR, was learning how to carry out a resazurin assay using the Varioskan LUX Microplate Reader (manufactured by Thermo Scientific) to test the cytotoxic effects of bio-extracts on cells, as part of her PhD studies.

What is a resazurin assay?

The resazurin assay is a cell-based test method for providing rapid and accurate assessment of the viability of mammalian cells. It can be used to assess a cell’s response to an agent such as a bio-extract, or to measure the cytotoxicity of drugs or chemicals.

How does it work?

A redox dye measures the metabolic activity of living cells via mitochondrial enzymes. Cells are then assessed based on their properties: viable cells have high fluorescence and stain pink, whereas non-viable cells show low fluorescence and stain blue.

Joanne Hanifin is an MTU TU RISE funded PhD Scholar under the supervision of Dr Joanna Tierney, Dr Ashley Sullivan, Dr Bridget Breen, and Dr Venkata Vamsi Bharadwaj Yallapragada.