Cell Biolabs’ DNA damage screening and analysis tools offer flexible options to assess DNA damage at the single cell level. The Halo Assay range offers a rapid, diffusion-based format for simpler DNA damage assessment (no electrophoresis step), while the Comet Assay range provides a more detailed single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) approach. With broad sample compatibility, detection of multiple DNA damage types and a comprehensive choice of well number per slide, these assays support oxidative stress, oncology and genetic toxicology research.
Founded by scientists, Cell Biolabs recognises the challenges of measuring cellular DNA damage, including lot-to-lot variability, sample loss through agarose detachment, workflow complexity and the need for scalable throughput. With expert assay guidance and a trusted global distributor network, we support researchers with assay selection, reliable supply and ongoing technical assistance.
Measuring cellular DNA damage
DNA is highly susceptible to chemical or physical alterations caused by endogenous metabolic processes, exogenous agents and errors introduced during replication or repair. At the cellular level, this DNA damage affects genome stability, disrupts cell function and contributes to a variety of diseases.
Measuring DNA damage is therefore important for understanding disease mechanisms, evaluating how cells respond to treatments, and assessing whether chemicals or environmental exposures cause genotoxic effects across oncology, oxidative stress and genetic toxicology research.
DNA damage is commonly measured at the cellular level by assessing strand breaks, alkali labile lesions, AP sites and related changes in DNA migration or diffusion away from intact nuclear DNA. These readouts help compare treated and untreated samples, assess exposure related genotoxicity and evaluate oxidative DNA damage.
Comet and Halo assays provide complementary methods to measure DNA damage at the single cell level. Comet assays use SCGE, where cells are embedded in agarose and damaged DNA fragments are drawn away from intact nuclear DNA under an electrophoretic field. The DNA migration can be visualised as the characteristic “comet tail” under a microscope. This method supports more detailed and sensitive DNA damage analysis, with the resulting migration pattern quantified by measuring the relationship between the comet head and tail.
In contrast, the Halo assay uses a diffusion-based method, where cells are embedded in agarose and damaged DNA fragments spread radially from isolated nuclei to form a visible “halo”. The extent of DNA damage can be assessed by comparing the halo area around the nucleus with the nucleus area itself, with a larger halo indicating greater DNA diffusion and higher DNA damage. Because this approach does not require electrophoresis, it provides a simpler and faster way to assess DNA damage at the single cell level.
To support different DNA damage workflows, Cell Biolabs offers complementary Comet and Halo assay kits and slides with flexible throughput options, broad sample compatibility and image-based readouts.
OxiSelect™ Comet Assay range
A quantitative, well published single cell gel electrophoresis assay range combining broad kit and slide format options with improved treated slide technology for reliable DNA damage analysis.
Available formats:
- Assay kits: 3 well, STA-350; 10 well, STA-850; 24 well, STA-835; 48 well, STA-845; 96 well, STA-855.
- Standalone slides: 3 well, STA-352; 10 well, STA-852; 24 well, STA-836; 48 well, STA-846; 96 well, STA-856.
Key features
- Quantitative DNA damage readout supports comparison of DNA damage across experimental conditions.
- Broad 3-, 10-, 24-, 48- and 96-well kit and slide format range, providing scalability from small exploratory studies to higher throughput screening workflows.
- Proprietary slide treatment supports agarose adhesion and sample retention, helping reduce sample loss and contact lens effect for improved assay reliability.
- Detects multiple DNA damage types, providing insight into different sources and mechanisms of DNA damage within a single assay.
- Compatible with suspension, adherent and tissue-derived cells, supporting flexibility to work across a wide range of experimental models.
- Controlled manufacturing supports lot-to-lot consistency, ensuring reproducible results across experiments and repeat studies.
- Packaging designed to minimise condensation and shipping damage, maintaining reagent integrity from manufacture to experiment.
OxiSelect™ Alkaline Halo Assay range
A rapid, diffusion-based Halo Assay for single cell DNA damage assessment, providing a simpler electrophoresis free workflow for screening before or alongside more detailed Comet Assay analysis.
Available formats:
- Assay kits: 3 well: STA-890; 96 well: STA-895.
- Standalone slides: 3 well: STA-892; 96 well: STA-896.
Key features
- Rapid diffusion-based workflow reduces technical overhead and time to result compared with electrophoresis-based methods.
- Proprietary slide treatment supports agarose adhesion and sample retention, helping reduce sample loss and contact lens effect for improved assay reliability.
- Compatible with suspension, adherent and tissue-derived cells, providing flexibility to work across a wide range of experimental models.
- 3-well and 96-well formats available, providing flexibility to scale from initial screening through to higher throughput workflows.
- Image based halo readout supports comparison of DNA damage across samples and experimental conditions.
- Controlled manufacturing supports lot-to-lot consistency, ensuring reproducible results across experiments and repeat studies.
- Packaging designed to minimise condensation and shipping damage, ensuring reagent integrity is maintained from manufacture to experiment.
To learn more about available kit and slide formats, workflow details and assay protocols, visit the OxiSelect™ Comet Assay and OxiSelect™ Alkaline Halo Assay product pages.