In the dynamic field of life sciences and drug discovery, accurately assessing cell viability and proliferation is paramount. Researchers constantly seek reliable and efficient methods to understand how cellular systems respond to various stimuli, treatments, and environmental factors. Among the array of biochemical tools available, tetrazolium salts have emerged as invaluable reagents, with XTT Sodium Salt (CAS 111072-31-2) distinguishing itself as a particularly effective option.

XTT Sodium Salt, chemically known as sodium 2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide, is a tetrazolium derivative that undergoes bioreduction by mitochondrial reductases in metabolically active cells. This process yields a water-soluble formazan dye, which can be quantified spectrophotometrically. The intensity of the color produced is directly proportional to the number of viable cells present in the sample, making it an excellent indicator of cell health and metabolic activity.

One of the significant advantages of XTT Sodium Salt over older tetrazolium salts like MTT is the solubility of its resulting formazan product. The formazan produced by XTT is directly soluble in aqueous media, eliminating the need for a separate solubilization step that is typically required when using MTT. This simplification of the assay protocol saves researchers valuable time and reduces the potential for experimental error, contributing to more robust and reproducible results.

Furthermore, XTT Sodium Salt is recognized for its higher sensitivity and a greater dynamic range compared to MTT. This enhanced performance allows researchers to detect even subtle changes in cell metabolism and proliferation, making it ideal for sensitive assays and for quantifying responses across a wider range of cellular conditions. The ability to accurately measure low levels of metabolic activity is crucial when evaluating compounds with mild effects or when studying early stages of cellular responses.

The applications of XTT Sodium Salt extend across various research domains. In drug discovery, it is widely used to screen potential therapeutic agents and assess their impact on cell viability and proliferation. Toxicological studies also benefit from its precise measurements, helping to identify compounds that may induce cell death or inhibit metabolic processes. Researchers can reliably monitor cell proliferation patterns and evaluate the efficacy of treatments, including those involving anticancer drugs or antimicrobial agents.

The stability of XTT Sodium Salt under recommended storage conditions (typically 2-8°C) ensures its longevity and consistent performance. Researchers can be confident in the reliability of this reagent for their experiments. The ease of use, coupled with its superior technical performance, positions XTT Sodium Salt as a go-to reagent for researchers focused on obtaining accurate and efficient measurements of cell viability and proliferation.

In conclusion, XTT Sodium Salt (CAS 111072-31-2) represents a significant advancement in cell-based assays. Its water-soluble formazan product, coupled with enhanced sensitivity and a broader dynamic range, makes it an indispensable tool for modern biomedical research. By understanding and utilizing the capabilities of XTT sodium salt, scientists can gain deeper insights into cellular processes and accelerate their discoveries in fields ranging from basic biology to clinical applications.