ATP serves as a reliable indicator of cell viability because it is found in all metabolically active cells. As cells undergo necrosis or apoptosis, ATP levels decrease rapidly, making ATP measurement an effective way to assess cytotoxic, antiproliferative, and cell growth–related effects.
The ATPlite 3D and ATPlite 1step 3D luminescence assays use proprietary technology to evaluate cell proliferation and cytotoxicity in 3D cultured mammalian cells. These assays detect light generated from the reaction between ATP and the added enzymes luciferase and D-luciferin.
The Luminescence ATP 1step 3D Assays are based on firefly (Photinus pyralis) luciferase and provide a convenient method for monitoring ATP levels. This assay serves as an alternative to colorimetric, fluorometric, high-content imaging, and radioisotopic approaches for quantifying proliferation and cytotoxicity in mammalian cells grown as 3D spheroids. ATP measurement can be applied to evaluate the cytocidal, cytostatic, and proliferative effects of various drugs, biological response modifiers, and other bioactive compounds.