Methylene Blue

Methylene blue is a synthetic phenothiazine dye and redox-active pharmaceutical compound with extensive research applications in molecular biology, cellular research, and biochemical analysis. This heterocyclic aromatic chemical is supplied as a brilliant blue aqueous solution suitable for direct use in laboratory research. Methylene blue functions through multiple mechanisms including redox cycling, protein staining, DNA/RNA interaction, and inhibition of enzymatic targets such as guanylate cyclase and monoamine oxidase. The solution is stable and ready for immediate application in microscopy, flow cytometry, and in vitro cellular studies without requiring reconstitution. In research contexts, methylene blue serves as a sensitive histological and biological stain for selective visualization of cellular components, a redox indicator for analytical chemistry applications, a photosensitizer for singlet oxygen generation, and an investigative agent for tau filament formation inhibition (IC50 = 1.9 μM) relevant to neurodegenerative disease modeling. The 10mL liquid solution is supplied in research-grade form for immediate use in laboratory investigations of redox biology, cellular bioenergetics, neuroprotection mechanisms, and oxidative stress pathways in cell culture systems.

Chemical Structure and Identification

• Molecular Formula: C₁₆H₁₈ClN₃S
• Molecular Weight: 319.85 g/mol
• CAS Number: 61-73-4

Research Applications

• Cellular and Tissue Staining: Selective visualization of RNA, ribonuclease, and cellular components in microscopy [1]
• Redox Indicator Activity: Electron transfer research and analytical chemistry applications in laboratory settings [2]
• Tau Filament Inhibition: Neuroprotection mechanisms in cell culture models (IC50 = 1.9 μM) [3]
• Guanylate Cyclase Inhibition: Signal transduction and nitric oxide pathway research in in vitro systems [1]
• Singlet Oxygen Photosensitizer: Photodynamic generation of reactive oxygen species in laboratory applications [2]
• Flow Cytometry: Fluorescent labeling and cell sorting applications in cellular research [3]
• Redox Biology Research: Mitochondrial electron transport and antioxidant system studies in cultured cells [4]

Reference Citations

1. Methylene blue as biological stain and guanylate cyclase inhibitor | https://www.scbt.com/p/methylene-blue-61-73-4
2. Methylene blue redox properties and analytical chemistry applications | https://www.chemicalbook.com/ChemicalProductProperty_EN_CB2748858.htm
3. Methylene blue inhibition of tau filament formation in cell culture research | https://www.selleckchem.com/products/methylene-blue.html
4. Methylene blue mechanisms in cellular redox cycling and photosensitization | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methylene_blue

Important Regulatory Notice

These products are for research use only and are not intended for human consumption, therapeutic use, or diagnostic purposes. All compounds described herein have not been approved by the FDA for human use. These products are strictly intended for in vitro laboratory research and analytical purposes when conducted by qualified research professionals in licensed facilities. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable laws regarding purchase and use of these materials.