B8438

Alcian Blue solution

1% in 3% acetic acid, pH 2.5

• Synonym(s): Alcian Blue 8XG solution
• NACRES: NA.47
• UNSPSC Code: 12171500

Properties

• form: liquid
• Quality Segment: 100
• concentration: 1% in 3% acetic acid, pH 2.5
• technique(s): microbe id | staining: suitable
• color: dark blue to very dark blue
• pH range: 2.4-2.6
• Amax: 0.45-0.60 (1:400 in H2O)
• application(s): diagnostic assay manufacturing; hematology; histology
• storage temp.: room temp

Description

Application

Alcian Blue solution has been used in the histological staining of acidic glycosaminoglycans (GAGs; mucopolysaccharides) that are carboxylated or sulfated.[1][2] Sulfated glycosaminoglycans appear to be the preferred substrate for alcian blue at pH 2.5.[3] Alcian blue has been used to stain hyaluronan (HA), a nonsulfated GAG, but the intensity of the staining of HA is affected by the method of tissue fixation used.[3] Alcian blue staining of GAGs in tissue may be modified through the addition of an electrolyte such as magnesium chloride.[4]

Biochem/physiol Actions

Alcian Blue is a cationic dye. It forms insoluble complexes with acidic glycosaminoglycans, thereby aiding in the quantitative determination of glycosaminoglycans. It is also used for the staining of bone and cartilage.

Safety Information

• Storage Class: 12 - Non Combustible Liquids
• wgk: WGK 2
• flash_point_f: Not applicable
• flash_point_c: Not applicable