In cell biology and pharmacology, cell viability is one of the most critical parameters: knowing whether cells are alive, responsive, or dying defines the success of cytotoxicity, proliferation, or screening experiments. To this end, Revvity's ATPlite™ family offers a highly optimized luminescent platform based on ATP detection, providing sensitive, reproducible, and rapid data for multiple cell models.
ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is present in all metabolically active cells; its concentration drops rapidly when cells die by necrosis or apoptosis. Therefore, monitoring ATP is a direct and reliable parameter for assessing cell viability, growth, or death.
Why use ATPlite™?
- ATPlite™ is based on the reaction of firefly luciferase with D-luciferin to generate light proportional to the ATP released, allowing for direct and highly sensitive quantification of cellular activity.
- Compared to colorimetric, fluorescent, or radioisotopic methods, ATPlite™ offers a simpler (no washing or centrifugation in many versions) and highly reproducible assay.
Versatility for different cell models
The ATPlite™ range is designed to adapt to different laboratory needs, covering both traditional 2D systems and more advanced 3D models (spheroids and organoids):
- ATPlite™ (basic version, 2 steps): Enables a very stable light signal, with a duration that can exceed 5 hours, offering flexibility for readings even without sophisticated injectors.
- ATPlite™ 1-step: Designed for high-performance or automation environments; allows a single step (“add & read”), reducing time and complexity.
- ATPlite™ 3D: Optimized for spheroids and organoids; includes a sodium hydroxide lysis step to extract ATP from dense cellular structures and provides a very stable light signal.
- ATPlite™ 1step 3D: Designed for maximum simplicity in 3D models, it requires only one reagent addition and is compatible with continuous processes.
- ATPlite™ 1glow: Provides a prolonged light signal of more than 3 hours, ideal for batch analysis or when reading can be delayed.
- ATPlite™ 1glow F: Ready-to-use frozen liquid format, designed for high-performance applications, with great signal stability and high sensitivity.
Key benefits in the laboratory
- High sensitivity : ATPlite™ can detect even low amounts of ATP, allowing it to work with few cells.
- Stable reading : its formulations provide a long-lasting light signal, reducing immediate reading pressure.
- Simplified flows : with homogeneous protocols (many kits are “add-mix-read”), the need for washes and intermediate steps is eliminated.
- Automation compatibility : especially with 1-step or long-signal formats, ideal for screening or robotic laboratories.
- Safety and ease of handling : some kits do not contain DTT, which reduces toxicological risks and bad odors.
- Wide dynamic range : allows quantification of ATP at different cellular levels, from a few cells to dense spheroids.
Recommended applications
ATPlite™ assays are ideal for a wide variety of studies:
- Cytotoxicity assays : to evaluate the effect of drugs, biological compounds or toxins on cell viability.
- Cell proliferation : quantifying cell growth under different conditions.
- 3D models : measuring viability in spheroids and organoids, which better mimic the physiological environment.
- Pharmacological screening : With its high-performance compatibility and stable signal, ATPlite™ is perfect for automated platforms.
- Basic research : studies of signaling, cell death or energy metabolism.
How to implement ATPlite™ in your lab
- Choose the kit according to your cell model (2D vs 3D) and workflow (manual vs automated).
- Prepare a standard ATP curve to quantify the results if needed.
- Add the reagent according to the protocol (“1-step” or “2-step”), mix and measure the luminescence.
- Analyze the data: the light generated is proportional to ATP, which translates into the viability or metabolic activity of your cells.
Revvity's ATPlite™ line is a versatile, robust, and highly sensitive solution for measuring cell viability in a wide range of contexts, from simple monolayer studies to advanced 3D models or automated platforms. Its optimized design reduces operational complexity, maximizes reproducibility, and enables reliable data acquisition in fewer steps.
If you're looking for a luminescent tool to quantify ATP and better understand the state of your cells, ATPlite™ is one of the most complete and reliable options. We're ready to help you.
