Thionin acetate salt (CAS 78338-22-4)

Thionin acetate salt, identified by the CAS number 78338-22-4, is a cationic dye that belongs to the thiazine class of dyes, characterized by its vivid blue-violet color. In scientific research, particularly in the fields of histology and cytology, thionin acetate is employed to stain cell nuclei and other acidic components of cells and tissues due to its affinity for nucleic acids and acidic tissue components. The mechanism of action for thionin acetate involves its function as a basic dye, which binds strongly to negatively charged components within cells, such as DNA and RNA. This binding is primarily electrostatic, where the positively charged dye molecules interact with the negatively charged phosphate groups of nucleic acids, thus highlighting these structures under microscopic examination. This specific interaction makes thionin acetate salt a valuable tool in research focused on cellular morphology and the identification of cell types based on their nuclear characteristics. Additionally, in botanical research, thionin is used to stain lignified or suberized cell walls, providing critical insights into plant structure and pathology. The utility of thionin acetate extends further into microbiological studies, where it is used for Gram staining, a technique fundamental in classifying bacterial species based on the chemical and physical properties of their cell walls.