Research Peptide
Methylene Blue
A synthetic dye and redox agent with over a century of medical use, FDA-approved for treating methemoglobinemia. Acts as an electron carrier and antioxidant — particularly in mitochondria — where at low doses it can bypass parts of the electron transport chain, potentially improving ATP production, reducing oxidative stress, and supporting cellular energy.
Overview
Methylene Blue (3,7-bis(dimethylamino)phenothiazin-5-ium chloride) is a synthetic phenothiazine dye with a unique property among research compounds: it can function as an electron donor and acceptor, enabling it to participate directly in the mitochondrial electron transport chain as an alternative electron carrier. This capacity to shuttle electrons between Complex I and Complex IV — bypassing damaged or dysfunctional intermediates — makes it a distinctive tool for investigating mitochondrial bioenergetics.
At low, research-relevant concentrations, methylene blue acts as a mild oxidizing agent, enhancing cytochrome c oxidase activity and improving oxygen consumption efficiency. At higher concentrations, its behavior reverses — underscoring the importance of concentration-controlled research protocols when investigating its biological effects.
Research Highlights
Research has documented methylene blue's neuroprotective effects in models of Alzheimer's disease (via tau aggregation inhibition and amyloid processing modulation), Parkinson's disease, and ischemic brain injury. Studies have also characterized its ability to enhance cellular ATP production, increase oxidative phosphorylation efficiency, and reduce reactive oxygen species generation by redirecting electron flow through the respiratory chain.
Additional research applications include investigation of its antimicrobial and antifungal properties through its reactive oxygen species-generating activity under light exposure (photodynamic mechanism), its historic use as a model redox dye in biochemistry, and its emerging role as a research probe for tau-related pathology in neurodegenerative disease models. It is stored at room temperature and supplied as a 1% aqueous solution for laboratory research use.
For research use only. Not intended for human consumption.
Specifications
| Concentration | 1% (10mg/mL) |
| Volume | 10mL |
| Form | Aqueous solution |
| Purity | ≥99% (pharmaceutical grade) |
| Storage | Room temperature, protected from light |
| Origin | USA |
Certificate of Analysis
Each batch is independently tested by a third-party laboratory. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) confirming purity and identity is available upon request. Contact us with your order number to receive the COA for your specific lot.