Introducing oxygen transfer rate measurements as a novel method for time-resolved cytotoxicity assessment in shake flasks

Abstract Background Determining the cytotoxicity of test substances is essential for safety assessment chemicals. To quantify cytotoxicity, dose–response curves are determined and half-maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) subsequently calculated. Results often rely on a single endpoint evaluation which typically requires manual sampling subsequent sample analysis to determine IC50. Hence, no information culture behavior available during treatment. Here, measurement oxygen transfer rate (OTR) was applied as method time-resolved (a) provide treatment (b) quantitatively assess cytotoxic effect substance. investigate applicability method, different types concentrations were added OTR measured two CHO suspension cell lines in shake flasks: For line one, not affected when 0.1 mM ZnCl 2 added. However, both lines, adding up 0.2 CoCl led decrease that dependent. two, 5% DMSO concentration-dependent slope OTR; From OTR, established used calculate IC50 0.03 while from comparative based trypan blue exclusion 0.06 mM. Cell less susceptible reached at tested. DMSO, values slopes evaluation. In cases, calculated 2.3%. Conclusions Our approach provides analyzing substance measurements. This (i) insights behavior, (ii) progression (iii) curves, (iv) first indication values. Quantitative possible non-invasively real-time Compared traditional evaluation, our simplifies experimentations enhances comparison assay results.