Why Thioflavin X Is the Better Choice for Amyloid Staining
★ Introduction ★ Comparison Table ★ Benefits ★ Applications ★ Try ThioFlavin X ★
Discover Thioflavin X (ThX): The Next Generation Amyloid Probe
Thioflavin X (ThX) is a powerful next-generation fluorescent dye designed to improve upon the limitations of Thioflavin T (ThT), one of the most commonly used amyloid-binding probes. With superior photophysical properties, ThX enables researchers to detect early-stage, low-abundance amyloid aggregates with far greater sensitivity, resolution, and specificity[1–3].
ThX vs. Thioflavin T: A Comparative Overview
| Feature | Thioflavin T (ThT) | Thioflavin X (ThX) |
|---|---|---|
| Fluorescence Brightness | Moderate | Up to 5× brighter[1] |
| Binding Affinity | Standard | 7× higher for amyloidogenic proteins[1,3] |
| Spectral Shift Upon Binding | Weak | Strong, pronounced[2] |
| Specificity | Moderate | High selectivity for β-sheet aggregates[2] |
| Imaging Compatibility | Limited to widefield | Super-resolution compatible (STED, dSTORM)[2] |
| Quantification | Fluorescence variable | Linear, reproducible signal[1,3] |
Why Scientists Are Switching to Thioflavin X
- Enhanced Fluorescence Brightness: Clearer images and early aggregate detection[1].
- Higher Binding Affinity: More efficient labeling of Aβ structures[1,3].
- Better Spectral Discrimination: Enables improved contrast and ratiometric detection[2].
- Super-Resolution Imaging: Compatible with STED and dSTORM[2].
- Consistency for Quantitative Assays: Ideal for reproducible fluorescence-based studies[1,3].
Applications of Thioflavin X
- Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Research: Detect Aβ and tau aggregates with fidelity[2,3].
- Protein Misfolding Mechanisms: Visualize early-stage β-sheet structures[1,3].
- Super-Resolution Microscopy: Reveal fine structure of amyloids with precision[2].
- Fluorescence-Based Quantitation: Track aggregation in vitro or in cells[1].
Make the Switch to ThX Today
Whether you are performing high-resolution microscopy, studying neurodegenerative pathways, or screening aggregation modulators, ThX is the next-gen solution that outperforms Thioflavin T.
References
- Needham, L.-M., et al. (2020). ThX – a next-generation probe for the early detection of amyloid aggregates. Chemical Science, 12(21), 7353–7363. PMC8159457
- Meng et al. (2022). Hyperphosphorylated tau self-assembles into amorphous aggregates eliciting TLR4-dependent responses. Nature Communications, 13, 3062. PMC9110413
- Rusakov et al. (2023). Cavity Lasing Characteristics of Thioflavin T and Thioflavin X in Different Solvents and Their Interaction with DNA for the Controlled Reduction of a Light Amplification Threshold in Solid-State Biofilms. ACS Appl Opt Mater.1(12) PMC10749465