3-(4,5-Dimethyl-2-thiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide is used as a colorimetric metabolic activity indicator in cell viability assays. Thiazolyl Blue Tetrazolium Blue (MTT) is a dye used in measurement of cell proliferation. MTT produces a yellowish solution that is converted to dark blue, water-insoluble MTT formazan by mitochondrial dehydrogenases of living cells. The blue crystals are solubilized with acidified isopropanol and the intensity is measured colorimetrically at 570 nm. MTT has been used as a histochemical/cytochemical reagent and for the detection of NAD. ADP-linked enzyme systems in tissue cannot be detected with MTT, due to binding of the cation by the cyanide trap used. MTT is rapidly reduced to the formazan, which chelates with nickel, copper, and cobalt; the cobalt chelate has been used in oxidative systems.
Grade: Cell Culture Reagent
Purity: ~98%
Key Applications: Colorimetric assay, Cell viability, cell culture
Product Type: Biochemicals
Melting Point: 189 - 199°C
UV/Visible Absorbance: 376 ± 2 nm; 242 ± 2 nm λmax (methanol)
Presentation: Yellow Powder
Solubility: Soluble in methyl alcohol (heat), methanol (10 mg/mL with heat - clear, yellow solution)and water (5 mg/mL-clear to very slightly hazy, yellow to bright yellow solution).
Storage & Handling: +4°C, protect from light