Toluidine blue 1% in an ethanol-acetic acid solution offers a wide range of applications, especially in histology and cytology. It enables effective visualization and differentiation of cell structures, cell components and tissue components, such as nucleic acids, proteins and polysaccharides.

The dye toluidine blue, a basic color molecule, interacts mainly with acidic groups in tissues, resulting in selective staining. The aqueous base helps stabilize the dye, while ethanol and acetic acid improve penetration into cell structures and binding efficiency.

The special suitability of this solution is demonstrated in the selective staining of mast cells, whose granules are highlighted by toluidine blue. In addition, it finds application in the examination of cartilage tissue, as it stains proteoglycans within the extracellular matrix. Other applications include visualization of nervous tissue, mucosal structures and bacterial biofilms.