Technical Help for Negative Stain Reagents

Updated: October 4, 1999 On this page How do Negative Stains Work? What concentration should I use? Other Resources Nanoprobes e-Newsletter Try our e-mail newsletter for tips and tricks for better gold labeling, and to keep up with new applications. Guide to Gold Cluster Labeling Detailed description of gold cluster labeling, tips and tricks for successful conjugations, isolation of conjugates, and how to calculate labeling. MSA Microscopy Listserver and Archives (view or search). Confocal Listserver and Archive (SUNY at Buffalo). Tips and Tricks (from the University of Florida ICBR EM core lab).

How do Negative Stains Work?

These reagents work only on cells or macromolecules in suspension: a layer of electron-dense material is left around the edges of the cell or macromolecule, and the edges are defined. The spaces between the structures of interest are filled in rather than the features themselves; this makes negative staining particularly appropriate for use with immunogold labeling. There is no positive staining of the biological specimen itself, unlike osmication.

What concentration should I use?

These stains are supplied as 2 % aqueous solutions. This is an appropriate concentration for use in most experiments. However, if lower concentrations are required, they may be diluted further with water.

Contents | Negative Stains: Catalog | Catalog (Distributor) | References

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