A high-throughput three-dimensional cell migration assay for toxicity screening with mobile device-based macroscopic image analysis

摘要

There is a growing demand for in vitro assays for toxicity screening in three-dimensional (3D)environments. In this study, 3D cell culture using magnetic levitation was used to create an assay in whichcells were patterned into 3D rings that close over time. The rate of closure was determined from time-lapseimages taken with a mobile device and related to drug concentration. Rings of human embryonic kidneycells (HEK293) and tracheal smooth muscle cells (SMCs) were tested with ibuprofen and sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS). Ring closure correlated with the viability and migration of cells in two dimensions (2D).Images taken using a mobile device were similar in analysis to images taken with a microscope. Ring closuremay serve as a promising label-free and quantitative assay for high-throughput in vivo toxicity in 3Dcultures.