Chemical Properties
yellow to ochre-yellow powder
Physical properties
In its free state, Thioflavin T (ThT) exhibits a maximum absorption wavelength of approximately 385 nm (near the UV-visible boundary) and a maximum emission wavelength of approximately 445 nm. Upon binding to amyloid fibrils, these spectral peaks undergo a red shift; the maximum excitation peak of the bound state is around 440–450 nm, and the maximum emission peak is around 480–490 nm.
History
In 1959, Vassar and Culling first employed Thioflavin T (ThT) for the fluorescence imaging of amyloid plaques, revealing its potential for histological staining. In 1993, LeVine standardized the method for quantifying fibril formation using ThT, providing a simple fluorescence-based approach for studying protein folding and aggregation kinetics
[1].
Uses
Thioflavin T (ThT) is usually used for detecting several types systemic amyloid proteins, including Alzheimer's disease, prion diseases. Currently, the ThT fluorescence regulation strategies mainly include amyloid fibrils binding, DNA modification, metal ion coordination, micelle regulation, etc. ThT is also gradually used in the detection of heavy metal ions, biotoxins, and residues of pesticide and veterinary drug, due to its cheap price, good organism compatibility, light stability, and sensitivity to the environment
[2].
Uses
A dye used to visualize beta-amyloid plaques, like those associated with Alzheimer's Disease
Uses
Textile dyeing, fluorescent sign paints, in combination
with green or blue pigments to produce
brilliant greens, phosphotungstic pigments.
Definition
ChEBI: Thioflavine T is an organic chloride salt having 2-[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl]-3,6-dimethyl-1,3-benzothiazol-3-ium as the counterion. It is widely used to visualise and quantify the presence of amyloids, both in vitro and in vivo. It has a role as a fluorochrome, a histological dye and a geroprotector. It contains a thioflavin T cation.
Preparation
4-(6-Methyl-2,3-dihydrobenzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)benzenaminewith methanol and hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid, at 160 ~ 170 ℃ methylation under pressure.
Application
Upon binding to amyloid fibrils, Thioflavin T (ThT) exhibits a significant increase in fluorescence intensity, making it a common tool in research on protein aggregation-related diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. The figure below shows the result of ThT staining
[3].
General Description
Thioflavin T is a benzothiazole dye that increases in fluorescence upon binding to amyloid. Thioflavin T has been used in histology and for protein characterization.
Biochem/physiol Actions
Cell permeable: yes
Properties and Applications
colourful green light yellow. Soluble in cold water, soluble in hot water for yellow, easily soluble in ethanol and yellow, with green fluorescent. The strong sulfuric acid to colorless, a green fluorescent, diluted into light yellow.
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Standard( Silk )
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Light Fastness
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Persperation Fastness
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Ironing Fastness
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Soaping
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Fading
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Stain
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Fading
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Stain
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Fading
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Stain
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C
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3
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2-3
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4
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1
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Purification Methods
Crystallise the chloride from *benzene/EtOH (1:1). [Beilstein 27 III/IV 5052.]
References
[1] LeVine, H. (1993). Thioflavine T interaction with synthetic Alzheimer's disease beta-amyloid peptides: detection of amyloid aggregation in solution. Protein Science, 2 3, 404–410.
https://doi.org/10.1002/pro.5560020312[2] Precupas, A., & Matei, I. (2025). Thioflavin T: induced circular dichroism and density functional theory as promising approach in amyloid fibril assays. Applied Spectroscopy Reviews, 61(1), 78–116.
https://doi.org/10.1080/05704928.2025.2501692[3] Orchard, G. E. (2023). Gout with Associated Cutaneous AA Amyloidosis: A case Report and Review of the literature. British Journal of Biomedical Science, 80, 11442.
https://doi.org/10.3389/bjbs.2023.11442
