Product Introduction
Alcian Blue, also known as Alcian Blue 8GX or Ingrain Blue 1, is a copper-containing phthalocyanin dye originally used in textile dyeing. This cationic dye binds to acidic groups; specifically, Alcian Blue forms insoluble complexes with anionic groups such as carboxyl and sulfate residues in tissues. The dye molecule consists of a central copper-containing phthalocyanine ring linked via thioether bonds to four isothiourea groups that confer a moderate basicity and a net cationic charge. At pH 2.5, carboxyl groups in tissues are ionized and carry a negative charge, forming electrostatic (salt) linkages with the cationic dye; consequently, acidic mucosubstances rich in carboxyl groups (sulfated and sialylated mucins) are stained. At pH < 1.0, sulfate groups are ionized and negatively charged, allowing Alcian Blue to bind strongly to sulfate-rich mucosubstances. Neutral mucins (e.g., those in gastric mucosa and Brunner’s glands) do not react with Alcian Blue under any of these conditions.
EnkiLife Alcian Blue Staining Solution (pH 0.4) exploits these pH-dependent binding properties to discriminate mucosubstance classes: pH 2.5: carboxyl (-COOH) groups stain strongly; sulfate-containing mucins stain weakly. pH 1.0: carboxyl groups are unstained; sulfate-containing mucins stain. pH 0.4: only strongly acidic sulfated mucosubstances are stained.
Basic Information
Product name | Alcian Blue Staining Kit, pH 0.4 |
Sizes | 50 mL |
Storage | 2-8 ℃, keep away from light |
Shipping | Shipped with ice pack |
Validity | 6 months |
Product Components
Components | 3x 50mL |
Reagent (A): Alcian Acidification Solution | 50 mL |
Reagent (B): Alcian Staining Solution | 50 mL |
Reagent (C): Nuclear Fast Red Staining Solution | 50 mL |
Notes
1. Use 10 % neutral-buffered formalin as fixative.
2. Opened reagents should be used within 3 months; recap bottles immediately after use to prevent evaporation or degradation.
3. Precipitate in Nuclear Fast Red Staining Solution is normal; use supernatant after settling, or vortex gently before use. If pigment residues appear after staining, centrifuge at 5 000 rpm and use the supernatant.
4. Wear laboratory coat and disposable gloves for personal safety.
5. Use reagents promptly after opening to ensure optimal performance in subsequent experiments.
