Diammonium 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate), often referred to as ABTS, is a commonly used chromogenic substrate in biochemical assays, particularly in the field of enzymology. It is a synthetic compound that is used to measure the activity of various enzymes, including peroxidases and oxidases.
ABTS is colorless in its oxidized form but turns blue-green when oxidized by an enzyme in the presence of hydrogen peroxide or molecular oxygen. This color change is due to the formation of a radical cation, which absorbs light in the visible spectrum.
The reaction between ABTS and the enzyme produces a colored product that can be measured spectrophotometrically. The intensity of the color is directly proportional to the enzymatic activity, allowing researchers to quantitatively evaluate enzyme kinetics, enzyme inhibition, or enzyme-substrate interactions.
ABTS has a broad range of applications in various fields, including clinical diagnostics, pharmaceutical research, and food science. It is highly sensitive and offers a wide dynamic range, making it a popular choice for many biochemical assays.