A Robust Quantitative Alternative to the Scratch Assay

New independent research demonstrates that the Oris™ Cell Migration Assay presents a superior quantitative, high throughput alternative to the scratch assay.

Cell migration is integral to many physiological processes, including embryonic development, tissue regeneration, and wound healing. One assay commonly used to study cell migration is the scratch assay creating a cell-free gap, or ‘scratch’, on a confluent cell monolayer.

Whilst this method is popular, the inherent variability in how scratches are produced and physical damage to cells make it difficult to obtain quantitative and statistically valid measurements of cell migration. Furthermore it has been demonstrated that the ‘scratch’ will damage any underlying extracellular matrix (ECM).

The Oris™ Cell Migration Assay has been shown, in comparative testing (1,2), to offer a superior alternative to the scratch assay, permitting formation of precisely placed and homogeneously sized cellfree areas into which migration can occur without releasing factors from wounded or dead cells.

During cell seeding, Oris™ Assays use silicon stoppers or a non-toxic biocompatible gel (BCG) to form a centrally located and temporary cell-free zone on cell culture surfaces in a 96 or 384-wells format. After removal of the stoppers or dissolution of the BCG, the migration of cells into the detection zone can be observed either in real time or after further experimental processing. This breakthrough product enables researchers to capture and quantify cell
migration data while substantially improving assay efficiency and dramatically reducing assay costs.

Measurement of cell migration enables researchers to better understand the impact of candidate therapeutic compounds on biological pathways and cellular behavior.

The Oris™ cell migration platform offers a robust and statistically validated assay capable of supporting quantitative compound evaluation using a single determination per data point. Available from Amsbio - ORIS™ Assay kits support quantitative analysis of compound structure-activity relationships and provide reliable and reproducible measures of compound potency either in medium or high throughput formats.