Methylene blue for vital staining is a special application of the dye methylene blue used in biology and cell biology to stain living cells and examine their structures under the microscope. Unlike many other dyes that can only be used on fixed and killed cells, methylene blue is suitable for vital staining at low concentrations because it can penetrate the cell membrane and bind to specific structures in living cells without affecting cellular functions.

Vital staining with methylene blue is widely used to study cell nuclei, mitochondria and other cellular structures. It allows real-time observation of cellular processes, such as cell division, cell growth, and cell responses to environmental stimuli.

Methylene blue is a basic dye that selectively binds to acidic components in cells, such as nucleic acids and some proteins. This results in high-contrast staining of cell structures, allowing detailed microscopic examination.

When using methylene blue for vital staining, it is important to choose the correct concentration and exposure time to avoid harming cells. The optimal concentration and exposure time may vary depending on the cell type and the desired examination result.