Resazurin sodium salt (CAS 62758-13-8)

Resazurin sodium salt, with the chemical formula C12H6NNaO4, is a versatile dye commonly used in various scientific research applications, particularly in cell viability assays. This compound is a redox indicator that shifts in color from blue (oxidized form) to pink (reduced form), providing a visual method to assess cellular metabolic activity. The mechanism underlying this transformation involves the reduction of resazurin to resorufin by cellular enzymes, typically those involved in the electron transport chain within mitochondria. This reduction occurs only in metabolically active cells, making resazurin an excellent indicator of cellular health and viability in real-time assays. In research, resazurin sodium salt is highly valued for its non-toxicity and the ability to provide quantitative results about the proliferation rate and cytotoxic responses without destroying the cells involved. Its application extends beyond simple viability tests; it is also utilized in biofilm studies, where it can help in assessing the metabolic activity of microbial communities. The fluorescence of resorufin (the reduced product) can be easily measured using fluorescence microscopy or spectrophotometry, adding a layer of versatility to the compound′s utility in research settings. This dye facilitates a range of experimental setups, from assessing pollutant impacts on microbial communities to screening metabolic activity in a high-throughput manner, making it a staple in experimental protocols across various scientific disciplines.