Thiazolyl Blue (MTT) CAS 298-93-1

Introduction

Thiazolyl blue (MTT) is a yellow dye used to detect cell viability, cell proliferation and cytotoxicity analysis. The detection principle is that MTT is a compound dye that can accept hydrogen ions, is positively charged, and has cell membrane permeability. Succinate dehydrogenase in the mitochondria of living cells can reduce exogenous MTT into water-insoluble dark blue MTT-formazan crystals, while dead cells do not have this function. Formazan crystals cannot penetrate the cell membrane and are therefore deposited in proliferating and undamaged cells. Formazan crystals can be dissolved with DMSO or acidified isopropanol, and the absorbance at 570 nm measured under a microplate reader reflects the amount of formazan generated. The amount of formazan generated is proportional to the number of living cells and is used to assess cell survival.

Physical indicators

Application 

Commonly used in cell viability, cell proliferation or cytotoxicity assays based on the MTT assay.
MTT can also be used as an immunohistochemistry/cytochemistry staining reagent and can also be used to detect NAD. MTT is rapidly reduced to formazan, which can chelate nickel, copper and cobalt. Cobalt chelates can participate in the body's oxidative system.