Transwell assays are a mainstay in cell biology research and are instrumental in studying cellular migration and cell invasion.
A permeable membrane simulates a cellular barrier. If cells migrate through it then these can be stained, for instance with crystal violet, and kept at room temperature. This will be in a 24-well plate. The membrane then needs to be cleaned with distilled water before the migratory cells can be calculated.
With that completed, an assessment can be made about cell fixation compared to how many cells have migrated. Through this process, transwell assays can provide insights into the mechanisms of cancer cells and their metastasis. It can also offer an understanding of tissue repair and cellular communication.
This article provides an in-depth analysis of transwell assays, examining their advantages, limitations, and exploring alternative methodologies.