The Challenge with Trypan Blue

Cell viability analysis is a cornerstone of bioprocessing and cell culture research, and for many years, Trypan Blue has been the standard dye for distinguishing live from dead cells. But this long-standing reagent comes with drawbacks: it is toxic, potentially mutagenic, and increasingly subject to regulatory scrutiny. These concerns have spurred demand for safer and more reliable alternatives, ones you might not expect.

A Surprising Alternative: Erythrosin B

Enter Erythrosin B: the same food-safe red dye most people recognise from preserved or cocktail cherries. SYNENTEC, a leader in automated cell imaging and analysis, has introduced Erythrosin B as a non-toxic substitute for Trypan Blue in viability assays on their CELLAVISTA® and NYONE® imaging systems. Unlike hazardous dyes, Erythrosin B is already widely approved for consumer use and is most commonly recognised as the red colouring found in preserved or cocktail cherries. Functioning in the same way by staining non-viable cells, it eliminates safety concerns while delivering accurate, reproducible results in automated workflows. With Erythrosin B, laboratories can achieve the same reliable results as Trypan Blue - without the risks.

Seamless Integration with SYNENTEC Imaging Systems

This shift carries important benefits for researchers and the wider industry: safer laboratory environments, greater compliance with evolving regulatory expectations, and enhanced assay robustness. Importantly, the transition to Erythrosin B requires no disruption to existing workflows on SYNENTEC systems, making adoption seamless.

Benefits for Researchers and Industry

By championing Erythrosin B, SYNENTEC is helping the life sciences community move toward safer, smarter, and more sustainable practices, demonstrating that innovation in cell analysis is not only about data quality, but also about protecting people and the environment.