title: High-throughput comet assay using 96 minigels.
abstract: The single-cell gel electrophoresis--the comet assay--has proved to be a sensitive and relatively simple method that is much used in research for the analysis of specific types of DNA damage, and its use in genotoxicity testing is increasing. The efficiency of the comet assay, in terms of number of samples processed per experiment, has been rather poor, and both research and toxicological testing should profit from an increased throughput. We have designed and validated a format involving 96 agarose minigels supported by a hydrophilic polyester film. Using simple technology, hundreds of samples may be processed in one experiment by one person, with less time needed for processing, less use of chemicals and requiring fewer cells per sample. Controlled electrophoresis, including circulation of the electrophoresis solution, improves the homogeneity between replicate samples in the 96-minigel format. The high-throughput method described in this paper should greatly increase the overall capacity, versatility and robustness of the comet assay.
authors: Department of Chemicals and Radiation, National Institute of Public Health, PO Box 4404 Nydalen, Oslo N-0403, Norway.
authors: Kristine B
authors: KB
authors: Gutzkow
authors: Torgrim M
authors: TM
authors: Langleite
authors: Silja
authors: S
authors: Meier
authors: Anne
authors: A
authors: Graupner
authors: Andrew R
authors: AR
authors: Collins
authors: Gunnar
authors: G
authors: Brunborg
mesh_terms: D020552:Comet Assay / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D004249:DNA Damage / Q000528:radiation effects; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D004587:Electrophoresis, Agar Gel / Q000379:methods; D057166:High-Throughput Screening Assays; D006801:Humans; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D014965:X-Rays / Q000009:adverse effects