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Iodonitrotetrazolium chloride (INT) is a chemical compound widely used in biochemical research, particularly in the fields of microbiology and cell biology. This tetrazolium salt serves as a colorimetric indicator for assessing metabolic activity in cells. INT is known for its ability to undergo reduction in living cells, which leads to the formation of a colorful, insoluble formazan precipitate.

Chemical Properties

The chemical formula of Iodonitrotetrazolium chloride is C₇H₅ClN₄O₂S, and it appears as a white to pale yellow powder. When reduced by cellular enzymes, INT transforms from its original state into a dark purple formazan dye. This reaction is primarily due to cellular dehydrogenases, making INT a useful marker for evaluating cell viability and metabolic function.

Applications

INT is frequently employed in various assays, including:

Viability Assays: It helps determine the viability of bacterial and eukaryotic cells.

Metabolic Activity Measurement: The extent of formazan formation correlates with the metabolic activity of the sample being analyzed.

Drug Testing: INT assays are often used in pharmacological research to evaluate the efficacy of new drugs on microbial or cancer cell lines.

Advantages and Limitations

One of the main advantages of using Iodonitrotetrazolium chloride is its simplicity and rapidity. The assay can typically be completed within a few hours, providing quick results. However, limitations include potential interference from other substances in complex biological samples, which can affect the accuracy of the results.

Conclusion

Iodonitrotetrazolium chloride remains an invaluable tool in biomedical research, providing insights into cell viability and metabolic processes. Its ease of use and straightforward interpretation make it a popular choice for researchers across various disciplines.