Measuring Reactive Oxygen Species with SpectraMax Microplate Readers

This application note demonstrates how SpectraMax® microplate readers can be used to accurately quantify Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) levels using a luminescence-based assay. ROS are chemically reactive molecules containing oxygen. In eukaryotes, these molecules are mainly created during aerobic respiration and can cause problems, such as DNA damage and lipid peroxidation, resulting in cellular damage. ROS are also involved in apoptosis, cellular aging, and cell signaling. Naturally, cells protect themselves from these oxidative species with reducing enzymes and antioxidants, but as cells accumulate more ROS than can be processed, cells will shift towards a state of oxidative stress.