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Structure-Dependent Cytotoxicity of Environmentally Relevant Benzothiazole Derivatives Across Human Cell Models
Stephanie Wolfe1,2, Tasniyah Nayaz1,2, Alisha Janiga-MacNelly1
1School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA.
International Journal of Toxicology
|July 31, 2026
Summary
This study assessed the toxicity of six benzothiazole derivatives in nine human cell lines. Sulfur-containing benzothiazoles, like 2-mercaptobenzothiazole, showed the highest potency, with toxicity varying by compound and cell type.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Toxicology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Benzothiazoles are common rubber additives and urban runoff contaminants.
- Their toxicity across diverse human tissues is not well understood.
- Understanding benzothiazole toxicity is crucial for risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the cytotoxicity of six benzothiazole derivatives.
- To compare toxicity across nine human cell lines representing various tissues.
- To identify structure-activity relationships for benzothiazole toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Cytotoxicity assays were performed on nine human cell lines.
- Six benzothiazole derivatives were tested: benzothiazole (BTH), 2-hydroxybenzothiazole (OH-BTH), 2-aminobenzothiazole (NH2-BTH), 2-methylbenzothiazole (Me-BTH), 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (SH-BTH), and methyl-thiobenzothiazole (Me-S-BTH).
- EC50 values were determined to quantify potency.
Main Results:
- EC50 values varied widely (1.5 × 10^-9 M to >1 M), indicating compound- and cell-type-specific toxicity.
- 2-Mercaptobenzothiazole (SH-BTH) and methyl-thiobenzothiazole (Me-S-BTH) were the most potent derivatives, especially in intestinal (Caco-2) and brain microglia (HMC-3) cells.
- Benzothiazole (BTH) and 2-methylbenzothiazole (Me-BTH) showed low cytotoxicity, while OH-BTH and NH2-BTH had intermediate effects.
- Intestinal (Caco-2) and brain microglia (HMC-3) cells were most sensitive; hepatic (HepaRG) and skin cells were least responsive.
- Toxicity was strongly structure-dependent, with sulfur-containing compounds being more potent.
Conclusions:
- Benzothiazole derivative toxicity is highly variable across human cell types and depends significantly on chemical structure.
- Sulfur-containing benzothiazoles, particularly SH-BTH and Me-S-BTH, pose a higher cytotoxic risk.
- The findings highlight the need for careful risk assessment of benzothiazoles, considering their specific derivatives and target tissues.
