MTT cell viability assay

[mickey07]

Hi All
I'm planning to do some cell viability assays using MTT (Sigma). I need some advice as to what to use as solvent. I've tried acified iso-propanol before and the formazan product did not dissolve very well. I've heard that DMSO couls also be used. If anyone could recommend any other good and tried solvents, I'd appreciate it.
Cheers

[Narumi]

I've read a lot of articles that use DMSO as the solvent. I order my MTT from Promega, and they include the solvent with the MTT in my order. The only problem with their solvent (or DMSO) is that the tray can no longer be stored in an incubator with your other cells once the organic solvent has been added. Promega says to keep it at RT in a sealed container, or in a fridge- I've found that my tray will dry out under these conditions, so I also include a small beaker full of DI, and just place this and my tray in a plastic bag, which I then tape closed.

[mickey07]

Hi Narumi
Thanks for your reply. I did the MTT assay some time ago now, using DMSO as solvent. Before adding the DMSO, I rinsed my cells with PBS. I then incubated at RT for 2-3 hrs with gentle shaking. It worked well. Thanks again.
Ciao