How can cell viability and proliferation in a scaffold be quantified?

Quantifying cell viability and proliferation within a scaffold is crucial for assessing the effectiveness of tissue engineering approaches. The chosen method involves using the Picogreen DNA quantification kit. This kit specifically measures the amount of double-stranded DNA present, which serves as an indirect measure of cell number since, generally, more live and proliferating cells produce more DNA.

The Picogreen assay is sensitive and allows for precise quantification, making it suitable for evaluating cellular activities in complex environments like scaffolds. Cells that are viable and actively proliferating will contribute to an increase in the quantity of DNA measured, reflecting their health and growth.

Other methods, while useful in certain contexts, do not provide the same level of specificity or quantitative accuracy regarding the growth of live cells in a scaffold. For instance, while tagging cells with AlexaFluor dye can visualize cells, it does not quantitatively measure viability or proliferation. Similarly, staining with Hematoxylin primarily identifies cell nuclei without giving direct information about viability. Lastly, performing RT-PCR focuses on gene expression levels, which, although informative about cellular functions, does not directly indicate the number of viable or proliferating cells. Therefore, the Picogreen DNA quantification kit is the most appropriate choice for quantifying