In Vitro Mineralization Assay: A Colorimetric Method to Quantify Osteoblast Calcium Deposits on Bone Graft Substitute by Alizarin Red S Staining and Extraction
In this video, we describe a method for the detection of osteoblast-secreted calcium deposits using an anionic dye, Alizarin Red S. The cultured osteoblasts are first stained and then the dye is recovered for colorimetric quantification of calcium deposits or the degree of osteoblast mineralization.
Protocol
1. Osteoblast mineralization assay Pre-incubate 14 mm diameter β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) disks in 1 mL of bone growth medium (BGM) in a 24-well suspension culture plate at 37 °C and 5% CO₂ for 24 h before adding the osteoblasts (OBs). Use standard tissue culture plates for controls and suspension culture plates for the biomaterial samples to avoid cell attachment to the plastic. Aspirate the pre-incubation medium and then resuspend primary mouse OBs in BGM. Add 8.8 x 10S…
Divulgations
The authors have nothing to disclose.
Materials
β-tricalcium phosphate disks (β-TCP, 14 mm)
Disks were sintered in a muffle furnace at a temperature of 1150 °C. Samples were UV-irradiated (15 min for each side) before using in cell cultures
In Vitro Mineralization Assay: A Colorimetric Method to Quantify Osteoblast Calcium Deposits on Bone Graft Substitute by Alizarin Red S Staining and Extraction. J. Vis. Exp. (Pending Publication), e21167, doi: (2023).