The CALUX Bioassay: A quest for optimization parameters towards a reliable and cost-effective semi-quantitative screening method in dioxin potency assessment

The driving force in bioassay analysis of POPs such as dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs is to produce quality-full data when used as a semi-quantitative screening method, which is especially the case in official food and feed control where a strict regulation is present1. The way to obtain such data is by being aware of the influence that key factors can have on your result, acting upon them and keeping them constant over time. Quality of the data can then be reflected as the precision obtained in your results.
Another driving force (applicable to all commercial and educational/academic facilities) is cost reduction of the analytical procedure. This can range from a reduction in media use, luciferase assay reagent, well size of the cell culture plate (96-well) and even to automated dispensing and handling of seeding and dosing actions.
Combining both is the way forward for the CALUX bioassay and thus merits some attention. Emphasis in this study is put on various treatments, general optimizations (quenching, integration time, and edge effect containment) that can easily be implemented to effectively decrease cost and increase sensitivity and precision of the bioassay.