Product News: 3D Biomatrix and Cayman Chemical Partner to Provide 3D Cell Viability Assay

3D Biomatrix, a leader in three-dimensional cell culture products, is pleased to announce that they have collaborated with Cayman Chemical to develop and supply a new assay kit for measuring the viability of 3D spheroids. The kit, Perfecta3D® Cell Viability Kit, is one of the first viability assays optimized for 3D cell culture.

Researchers have long tested drug compounds and other factors affecting cell growth in two dimensions (2D), but 2D cell cultures do not accurately represent how cells behave in the body. 3D cell cultures allow researchers to recapitulate these characteristics in vitro, providing a more physiologically-relevant model. 3D Biomatrix’s Perfecta3D Hanging Drop Plates facilitate the consistent and controllable growth of small spherical 3D clusters called spheroids in a well-plate format. Researchers can then test compounds and other factors in a 3D environment that reflects the human body.

The new Perfecta3D 3D Cell Viability Kit provides an easy-to-use format for studying cell proliferation in spheroids formed in the Hanging Drop Plates. The assay, based on the enzymatic cleavage of the tertrazolium salt WST-1 to formazan by cellular mitochondrial dehydrogenases in viable cells, will allow investigators to screen drug candidates involved in cell cycle regulation in a 3D format.

“Our new 3D Cell Viability Assay Kit provides researchers with a solution for 3D cell culture and analysis,” said 3D Biomatrix CEO Laura Schrader. “As Cayman and 3D Biomatrix are leaders in their respective fields, researchers can be confident they are using reagents that have been specifically optimized for their needs in 3D cell culture.” Jeff Johnson, Vice President of Biochemistry at Cayman Chemical says, “The 3D Biomatrix Perfecta3D Hanging Drop Plate is adding greater versatility to our growing line of cell-based assays. We are excited about the collaboration and the impact it will have on cell biology research.”