Trypan Blue (CAS 72-57-1)

Trypan Blue is a diazo dye known for its ability to selectively stain dead tissues or cells. This chemical is predominantly used in biological research to assess cell viability, particularly in the context of cell culture and cytotoxicity studies. The mechanism behind Trypan Blue′s utility lies in its properties as a vital stain; it cannot permeate the intact membranes of living cells but can enter and stain cells with compromised membranes that are dead or dying. Trypan Blue is used extensively to perform cell count viability assays. Researchers mix this dye with a cell suspension, and under microscopic observation, live cells remain unstained while dead cells take up the blue color. This distinction allows for an accurate calculation of the percentage of viable cells in a sample, which is crucial for experiments assessing the effects of various treatments on cell health. Beyond cell viability, Trypan Blue staining is instrumental in the study of cellular morphology. It helps in identifying changes in the integrity of cell membranes over time or under different experimental conditions. The dye′s ability to quickly provide visual evidence of cell health makes it an essential tool in cell biology, enabling researchers to efficiently monitor and evaluate cellular responses to environmental or genetic modifications.