Whole-cell SYBR Green I assay for antimalarial activity assessment

Malaria parasite growth assessment assays using nucleic acid dye SYBR GreenI are frequently compromised by high background readings due to haemoglobin and detergents in lysis buffer. Here, we have assessed and further validated an intact-cell SYBR Green I-based fluorescence assay (Cell-MSF) for antimalarial activity assessment even of highly fluorescent compounds. Our modifications include: • The absence of detergents and cell debris renders a high dynamic range and z’>0.7 • Tested against fluorescent and non-fluorescent compounds • Without cell lysis, one centrifugation and uses transparent 96 well plates