Some studies have shown use of DMSO to dissolve the formazon crystals, while others have used MTT dissolving solution. DMSO is rapid and produces colour within seconds, while using MTT dissolving solution may need some time for getting proper OD readings 0.75-1.25. Which is reliable? Please suggest.
Either DMSO or SDS would be fine, but because ease of handling/use is better with SDS compared to DMSO, I would suggest use of SDS 4 hours following MTT reagent addition. I have been using this with very good outcomes. It all depends on you, what you want to achieve and when you hope to do so.
Hi, I would suggest using XTT as apposed to MTT. The XTT colour product is soluble in medium so you can determine change in colour over time without destroying your cells with reagents such as DMSO. Also saves time. Alternatively you can also use WST-1 which also produce a soluble coloured breakdown product. These can all be used for monitoring cytotoxicity/cell viability assays.
@Ibrahim Bozgeyik: Any reference for solubilization of MTT by DMEM? I have found that serum can have effect on reducing MTT. And specifically DMEM has more reducing capacity compared to RPMI.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3449413/
So you mean if the cell line we are using in the assay needs DMEM, we can go directly for sonication after MTT incubation and we need not add DMSO or MTT dissolving solution.. Thanks for the alternative way.
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