Dithiothreitol (DTT) is a well-known small-molecule redox reagent, widely used for the reduction of disulfide bridges in proteins. It is also known as Cleland's reagent and it has various applications in biotechnology, biology, and biochemistry.
REDUCING PROPERTIES
Dithiothreitol is a particularly strong reducing agent with a redox potential of -0.33 V at pH 7. The reduction of a typical disulfide bond is followed by two sequential thiol-disulfide exchange reactions.
Once in its oxidized state, DTT forms a stable six-membered ring and leaves behind a reduced disulfide bond.
SOLUBILITY
DTT is highly soluble in water (OD<0.05 at 0.02M), forming a clear, colourless solution. DTT is also soluble in ethanol, chloroform, acetone, and ether. DTT solutions should be prepared fresh daily.
APPLICATIONS
DTT is suitable for use in molecular biology or protein biochemistry applications to reduce disulfide bridges, protect biomolecules, as well as in sample preparation, and in reconstructing proteins before electrophoresis analysis.
As an antioxidant, DTT is applied as a protective agent against ionizing radiations in living cells.
It is also used as an oxidizing agent to effectively prevent the population of mixed-disulfide species. In very rare cases, a DTT adduct may be formed.
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