Cytotoxicity references the toxicity of a cell that leads to cell damage or death. In the field of drug development and research, a cytotoxicity test helps scientists and researchers measure how a particular compound or molecule can impact cell health, leading to cell death.
Since living organisms are made up of cells, the unexplained death of a cell can lead to diseases. Through cytotoxicity studies, researchers are looking to identify the safety of a drug compound for human consumption.
The simple fact is that all molecules, big and small, require stringent testing to understand how they will react with an analyte or protein in the human body. In the field of biochemistry, small and big are not classified for size alone. Factors such as composition, suitability for different drug forms, behavior patterns, and mode of transportation are also considered. Since most research is based on small molecules, it is but obvious, that it is essential to test their effect on living, healthy as well as unhealthy cells. For example, the unstoppable proliferation of cells in a cancer patient requires cytotoxic compounds that allow the human body to maintain cell balance.
Let’s look at the role and importance of a cytotoxicity assay on drug development and research:
One of the most important things to remember while undertaking a cytotoxicity assay is choosing the right assay. Additionally, it is equally important to remember that using a single test or kit is not enough to provide accuracy.
