Auramine

Auramine is a fluorescent dye used primarily in microbiology and histology for staining purposes. It is known for its bright yellow-green fluorescence under ultraviolet light, making it a valuable tool in various scientific applications.

Chemical Properties

Auramine is a member of the amine class of compounds and is chemically classified as a diarylmethane dye. Its chemical formula is C17H22ClN3, and it is often used in the form of its hydrochloride salt, Auramine O.

Applications

Auramine is widely used in the field of microbiology for the detection of acid-fast bacteria, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis. The dye binds to the mycolic acids in the bacterial cell wall, allowing for the visualization of these organisms under a fluorescence microscope. In histology, Auramine is used to stain tissue samples, particularly for the identification of lipofuscin and other lipid-containing structures. It is also employed in the staining of fungi and protozoa.

Staining Protocol

The typical staining protocol for Auramine involves the following steps:

1. Fixation of the sample using a suitable fixative, such as formaldehyde.
2. Application of the Auramine stain to the sample.
3. Incubation of the sample to allow the dye to bind to the target structures.
4. Washing of the sample to remove excess dye.
5. Examination of the sample under a fluorescence microscope.

Safety and Handling

Auramine is considered a hazardous substance and should be handled with care. It is classified as a potential carcinogen and can cause skin and eye irritation. Proper personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and safety goggles, should be worn when handling Auramine.

Related Pages

• Dye
• Fluorescence microscopy
• Histology
• Microbiology
• Mycobacterium tuberculosis
• Tuberculosis
• Acid-fast bacteria