Description

Methylene Blue – Research Capsules for Laboratory Purposes (10 mg / capsule, 60 count)

Highly purified synthetic phenothiazine redox mediator (methylthioninium chloride) in a solid analytical matrix for in vitro research on mitochondrial electron transport kinetics, cytochrome c oxidase (complex IV) stimulation, oxidative stress reduction, and tau protein aggregation inhibition

Overview & Mechanism of Action (In Vitro)

Methylene Blue (methylthioninium chloride / 3,7-bis(dimethylamino)phenothiazin-5-ium chloride) is a synthetic heterocyclic redox-active compound of the phenothiazine class. In cellular bioenergetics, mitochondrial biology, and molecular neuroscience, it serves as a primary reference standard and alternative electron donor/acceptor capable of bypassing impaired complexes within the mitochondrial electron transport chain:

• Alternative Mitochondrial Electron Carrier: Functions as a reversible catalytic redox cycler between NADH and cytochrome c, effectively bypassing compromised enzymatic complexes I and III to maintain ATP synthesis under toxic or metabolic mitochondrial insult in vitro.
• Stimulation of Cytochrome c Oxidase (Complex IV): Upregulates complex IV enzymatic kinetics and basal cellular oxygen consumption rates (OCR), optimizing mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) in cultured cell models.
• Inhibition of Tau Protein & β-Amyloid Aggregation: Blocks pathological self-assembly and paired helical filament formation of tau proteins and promotes disassembly of preformed oligomeric aggregates in biochemical assays.
• Redox Cycling & Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Scavenging: At micromolar concentrations, it intercepts electrons leaking from defective mitochondrial sites, suppressing superoxide formation and protecting subcellular components from oxidative damage in vitro.

Technical & Chemical Specifications

• Classification: Phenothiazine Redox Mediator / Analytical Standard in Solid Matrix (RUO)
• Chemical Name: 3,7-bis(dimethylamino)phenothiazin-5-ium chloride
• Molecular Formula: C16H18ClN3S (anhydrous) / C16H18ClN3S⋅xH2O
• Molecular Weight: 319.85 g/mol (anhydrous)
• Active Content: 10 mg per capsule (±2%)
• Packaging Unit: 60 research capsules in a laboratory container with integrated desiccant
• Form: Solid reagent matrix / encapsulated standard
• Component Identification: Verified via Analytical HPLC and UV/Vis Spectrophotometry (characteristic absorption peak at 660–665 nm)
• Recommended Reconstitution Protocol: Capsule contents are intended for dissolution in sterile laboratory buffers (e.g., sterile PBS pH 7.2–7.4) or sterile deionized water to prepare calibrated working solutions for in vitro cell testing.
• Storage Conditions: Store at 15–25 °C in a dry, dark environment in the tightly sealed original container with desiccant. For long-term archiving of analytical standards, storage at -20 °C is recommended.

Scientific References & Literature

• Atamna, H., et al. Methylene blue delays cellular senescence and enhances key mitochondrial biochemical pathways in vitro. FASEB Journal, 2008.
• Wischik, C. M., et al. Selective inhibition of Alzheimer disease-like tau aggregation by phenothiazines in vitro. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), 1996.
• Wen, Y., et al. Alternative mitochondrial electron transfer for neuroprotection: Molecular mechanisms of methylene blue in vitro. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 2011.
• Poteet, E., et al. Neuroprotective actions of methylene blue and its derivatives against mitochondrial oxidative stress in neuronal cell lines. PLoS ONE, 2012.

Legal Disclaimer & Terms of Purchase

This product is classified and supplied strictly for laboratory, scientific, and in vitro research purposes only (Research Use Only – RUO). Neither the compound nor the capsule matrix is a drug, medicine, dietary supplement, cosmetic product, or substance intended for human or veterinary consumption, oral ingestion, direct administration, injection, or diagnostic procedures.

By placing an order, the purchaser explicitly confirms that they are at least 18 years of age, possess the requisite professional qualifications and laboratory equipment to safely handle research materials, and are fully conversant with all relevant safety protocols for managing research substances. The seller assumes no liability for any use contrary to these terms.