Cellviabilitet

Cellviabilitet refers to the state of a cell being alive or dead. It is a fundamental parameter in cell biology, crucial for understanding cell health, function, and response to various stimuli. Measuring cell viability is essential in numerous research areas, including drug discovery, toxicology, cancer research, and stem cell biology. A viable cell is one that maintains its structural integrity, metabolic activity, and the ability to divide and reproduce. Conversely, a non-viable cell has undergone irreversible damage, leading to loss of function and eventual death, often through programmed cell death (apoptosis) or necrosis.

Various methods are employed to assess cell viability. These typically rely on detecting specific cellular components or processes that are altered in dead or dying cells. Common techniques include staining with vital dyes that are excluded by compromised cell membranes, assays that measure metabolic activity (such as reduction of tetrazolium salts), or quantification of enzymes released from damaged cells. The choice of method depends on the experimental context, the cell type, and the specific information required. Maintaining high cell viability is often a primary goal in cell culture and tissue engineering, as it directly impacts the reliability of experimental results and the success of therapeutic applications. Understanding and monitoring cell viability allows researchers to interpret data accurately and to optimize conditions for cell survival and proliferation.