MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide)
MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide)
Invitrogen™

MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide)

MTT is used to assess cell viability as a function of redox potential. Actively respiring cells convert the water-soluble MTTRead more
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Catalog number M6494
Price (USD)
184.00
1 g
Add to cart
Price (USD)
184.00
1 g
Add to cart
MTT is used to assess cell viability as a function of redox potential. Actively respiring cells convert the water-soluble MTT to an insoluble purple formazan. The formazan is then solubilized and its concentration determined by optical density.
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
Specifications
DescriptionMTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide)
Detection MethodAbsorbance
Product TypeMTT
Dye TypeColorimetric Reagent-Based
Product LinePierce
Quantity1 g
Shipping ConditionRoom Temperature
Unit Size1 g
Contents & Storage
Store at room temperature and protect from light.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

MTT cell proliferation plate assays require cellular metabolism to modify the reagent and thus, only live cells will be counted. Is this true for CyQUANT Direct Cell Proliferation Assay, too?

This is true for MTT (as well as XTT, AlamarBlue Cell Viability Reagent, and PrestoBlue Cell Viability Reagent). CyQUANT Direct will also only count live cells, but for a different reason. The dye in it is a green-fluorescent nucleic acid stain, which will bind to DNA in all cells, live or dead, without the need for cellular metabolism. However, there is a non-cell-permeable quenching reagent in the kit which will both quench extracellular fluorescence (and thus this is a no-wash assay) AND will quench the fluorescence in dead cells (but not live cells).

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Analysis Support Center.

MTT cell proliferation assays require cellular metabolism to turn over the reagent, and thus only live cells will be counted. Is this true for CyQUANT Direct as well?

This is true for MTT (as well as XTT, AlamarBlue Cell Viability Reagent, and PrestoBlue Cell Viability Reagent). CyQUANT Direct will also only count live cells, but for a different reason. The dye is a green-fluorescent nucleic acid stain, which will bind to DNA in all cells, live or dead, without the need for cellular metabolism. However, there is a cell impermeant quenching reagent in the kit which will quench both extracellular fluorescence (and thus this is a no-wash assay) and the fluorescence in dead cells (but not live cells).

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Analysis Support Center.

I want to use MTT to determine cell proliferation. Do I really need a standard curve? Will the assay tell me percent of live versus dead cells?

MTT is reduced only by live cells and the rate of dye reduction may vary from cell to cell based on their life cycle stage, age, health and other factors. This assay would not reveal the number of dead cells or a ratio of live to dead cells. A standard curve is recommended to determine an approximate number of live cells per sample.

To obtain a ratio of live to dead cells, use a two color fluorescent assay, such as LIVE/DEAD Viability/Cytotoxicity Kit (Cat. No. L3224) or differences in intensity of a single fluorescent color, using a flow cytometer and the LIVE/DEAD Fixable Kits.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Analysis Support Center.