Crystal violet is a cationic dye. Under acidic or neutral conditions, its cationic groups can electrostatically bind to anionic components in cells or tissues (e.g., phosphate groups of nucleic acids, peptidoglycan in bacterial cell walls). It exhibits extremely high affinity for cell nuclei, chromosomes, and the cell walls of Gram‑positive bacteria, thereby staining these structures.
Gentian violet is a triphenylmethane basic dye, whose principal component is crystal violet (hexamethylpararosaniline chloride), often containing minor methyl violet homologs. Its aqueous solution is deep purple, and its cations readily bind to anionic moieties such as nucleic acids and bacterial cell walls to achieve staining.
Crystal violet / gentian violet mixed staining solution mainly consists of crystal violet, gentian violet, ethanol and other components. It is a commonly used staining reagent for tissues or cells, which can stain cell nuclei dark purple. This reagent is for research use only and is not intended for clinical diagnosis or other applications.
Self-Provided Materials
Graded ethanol series, Distilled water, 4% Paraformaldehyde
Protocol
1. Sample Preparation
For paraffin sections: Deparaffinize and rehydrate sections routinely.
For frozen sections: Stain immediately after washing with water.
For cultured cells: Fix with 4% paraformaldehyde, then stain after washing with water.
2. Staining
Stain with Crystal Violet / Gentian Violet Mixed Staining Solution for 10 min (time can be adjusted according to staining results and requirements). Wash thoroughly with distilled water or tap water. Samples are now ready for observation and photography.
Precautions
1.If dehydration, clearing, and mounting are required, prepare xylene, neutral balsam, or other mounting media.
2.It is recommended to perform a preliminary test on 1-2 samples when using this reagent for the first time.
3.Crystal violet and gentian violet are slightly harmful to the human body. Please take appropriate protective measures.
4.For research use only. Not for clinical use.
