Product Name
3,3',5,5'-Tetramethylbenzidine, 99%
Molecular Formula
C16H20N2
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Synonyms
4,4'-Diamino-3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbiphenyl
IUPAC Name
4-(4-amino-3,5-dimethylphenyl)-2,6-dimethylaniline
InChI Key
UAIUNKRWKOVEES-UHFFFAOYSA-N
SMILES
CC1=CC(=CC(=C1N)C)C2=CC(=C(C(=C2)C)N)C
Product Introduction
3,3',5,5'-Tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) is a widely used chromogenic substrate in biochemical and immunological assays. It is most commonly employed in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) as a colorimetric substrate for horseradish peroxidase (HRP).
In the presence of HRP and hydrogen peroxide, TMB is oxidized to produce a blue-colored product, which can subsequently be converted to a yellow product after acid stop solution is added, enabling quantitative detection by spectrophotometry.
Due to its high sensitivity and reliable color development, TMB is extensively used in immunoassays, diagnostic reagent development, and biochemical detection systems.
Mechanism of Reaction
3,3',5,5'-Tetramethylbenzidine is an aromatic diamine compound that functions as a chromogenic peroxidase substrate.
In HRP-based detection systems:
- HRP catalyzes the oxidation of TMB in the presence of hydrogen peroxide
- Oxidized TMB forms a blue chromogenic product
- Addition of acid stop solution converts the color to yellow
- The absorbance of the final product is typically measured at 450 nm
The intensity of the color is proportional to the enzyme activity or analyte concentration in the assay.
Key Research Applications
1.ELISA Detection Systems
TMB is most commonly used as a chromogenic substrate in ELISA assays for HRP-labeled antibodies.Typical uses include:
- Antigen detection assays
- Antibody quantification
- Immunoassay signal generation
- Diagnostic ELISA kits
2.Immunohistochemistry and Immunoblotting
TMB can be used as a chromogenic reagent in HRP-based detection systems for protein analysis.Applications include:
- Western blot detection
- Immunohistochemical staining
- Enzyme-based signal visualization
3.Diagnostic Reagent Development
Due to its high sensitivity and stable color development, TMB is widely used in clinical diagnostic reagent research and IVD kit development.Applications include:
- Clinical ELISA kit development
- Biomarker detection assays
- Diagnostic immunoassays
4.Enzyme Activity Assays
TMB can be used to monitor peroxidase enzyme activity in biochemical experiments.Typical applications include:
- Peroxidase activity assays
- Enzyme kinetics research
- Oxidative enzyme detection systems
Recommended Experimental Conditions
| Parameter |
Recommended Conditions |
| Detection Method |
Colorimetric spectrophotometric detection |
| Detection Wavelength |
650 nm (blue product) or 450 nm after acid stop |
| Buffer Systems |
Citrate buffer or acetate buffer |
| Temperature |
Room temperature (20–25 °C) |
| Assay Format |
ELISA microplate assays, immunoassays, enzyme activity assays |
Optimization may be required depending on the assay system.
Advantages in Enzyme Assays
- Highly sensitive chromogenic substrate for HRP
- Clear and stable color development
- Suitable for microplate-based assays
- Widely used in ELISA and diagnostic assays
Storage & Handling
- Store in a cool, dry, and dark place
- Protect from light to prevent oxidation
- Keep container tightly closed
- Follow recommended storage conditions for long-term stability
Related Applications
Researchers working with:
- ELISA detection systems
- HRP-based immunoassays
- Peroxidase activity assays
- Diagnostic immunoassay development