Evans blue (dye)

Evans blue (also known as T-1824 or Direct Blue 53) is a dye that was first synthesized in the early 20th century. It is named after Herbert McLean Evans, a prominent American anatomist and embryologist. Evans blue is a diazo dye that has a high affinity for serum albumin and is therefore used to measure plasma volume.

History

Evans blue was first synthesized in 1912 by Hermann Kümmell, a German chemist. It was named after Herbert McLean Evans, who used the dye in his research on the circulatory system.

Properties

Evans blue is a diazo dye, which means it contains two nitrogen atoms connected by a double bond. It has a high affinity for serum albumin, a protein found in blood plasma. This property makes it useful in medical and biological research, particularly in studies of blood volume and circulation.

Uses

Evans blue is primarily used in medical and biological research. Its high affinity for serum albumin allows it to bind to the protein and stay in the bloodstream, making it useful for measuring plasma volume. It is also used in studies of blood-brain barrier permeability, as it can indicate when the barrier has been breached.

In addition to its use in research, Evans blue has been used as a dye in the textile industry. However, its use in this context has declined due to concerns about its potential toxicity.

Safety

While Evans blue is generally considered safe for use in research, it can be toxic in large amounts. It has been shown to cause skin and eye irritation, and prolonged exposure can lead to more serious health problems.

See also

• Dye
• Serum albumin
• Blood-brain barrier

Resources

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Source: Data courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Since the data might have changed, please query MeSH on Evans blue (dye) for any updates.

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