Testing Principle
Alcian blue is the most specific stain to detect acid mucous substances. This anion dye forms an electrovalent bond with acid group. Alcian blue can be used to separate and identify different mucous substances at various pH. At pH 1, Carboxyl group (COOH) was not stained, sulfonic group (OSO3H) is stained; and at pH 2.5, carboxyl group is well stained, but poor stain of sulfate mucus.
Stain Results
Sialic acid and weakly sulfated mucilage | Blue |
General mucus material | Blue |
Nuclei and other tissues | Red |
Capsule of Cryptococcus neoformans | Blue |
Packaging Specification
Product Name | Ref # | Specification |
Alcian Blue Stain (pH 2.5) | BA4087A | 2x20ml |
Alcian Blue Stain (pH 2.5) | BA4087B | 2x100ml |