Methylene blue, 1 % aqueous
In histology, Methylene Blue 1 % is often used as a staining reagent to visualize nucleic acids and cell structures. The special suitability of this concentration lies in its applicability for semi-permanent staining, such as in Ziehl-Neelsen staining for the detection of acid-fast bacteria. The solution also has applications in microbiology, such as in the staining of live bacteria for visualization under the light microscope.
Chemically, methylene blue is a heterocyclic aromatic amine that is colorless in reduced form and appears blue when oxidized. The chemical functionality of Methylene Blue 1% is based on its ability to selectively interact with cell structures and molecules such as nucleic acids to increase contrast and visibility. Methylene blue acts as a redox indicator and can therefore also be used to visualize redox reactions.
Advantages over higher or lower concentrations lie in the balance between staining intensity and cell sparing. The 1% solution provides effective staining without damaging cell structures or compromising image quality. Compared to lower concentrations, Methylene Blue 1% allows for stronger staining, while higher concentrations may result in increased cell exposure.
Article no.: 13312
Staining of tissue samples
Instructions / Protocol / Recommendations
Verwendung:
The basic methylene blue is one of the vital dyes and stains protein-containing structures such as cell nuclei and microorganisms blue. It is suitable as an orientation basis for further diagnostics, specific applications are e.g. the detection of bacteria (May-Grünwald staining), staining of the gray matter in the peripheral nervous system, staining of DNA and RNA. In aqueous solution, it is used as a nuclear dye. To stabilize the stain, it can be fixed using ammonium molybdate (5%). Following this principle, a methylene blue stain can also be used as a counterstain in immunohistochemistry.
Prinzip:
The positively charged methylene blue molecules attach themselves to negatively charged structures in the tissue through polar bonds. This makes cell nuclei, chromatin structures and nucleoli clearly visible. \rCytosolic structures are only weakly stained. Air-dried, heat-fixed and wet-fixed samples can be used.
Verfahren:
The positively charged methylene blue molecules attach themselves to negatively charged structures in the tissue through polar bonds. This makes cell nuclei, chromatin structures and nucleoli clearly visible. \rCytosolic structures are only weakly stained. Air-dried, heat-fixed and wet-fixed samples can be used.