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Alcian blue
Introduction
Alcian blue (AB), also called Alcian blue 8GX, Ingrain blue 1, and C.I. 74240, is a phthalocyanine dye that contains copper. The dye stains acid mucopolysaccharides and glycosaminoglycans, for which it is one of the most widely used cationic dyes; the stained parts are blue to bluish-green. It can be combined with H&E staining and van Gieson staining methods. It bonds by electrostatic forces with the negatively charged macromolecules. Gradual increases in the electrolyte concentration used to wash the bound dye selectively identifies neutral, sulphated, and phosphated mucopolysaccharides.