Description; Application; Alcian Blue solution has been used in the histological staining of acidic glycosaminoglycans (GAGs; mucopolysaccharides) that are carboxylated or sulfated.[3][4] Sulfated glycosaminoglycans appear to be the preferred substrate for alcian blue at pH 2.5.[2] Alcian blue has been used to stain hyaluronan (HA), a nonsulfated GAG, but the intensity of the staining of HA is affected by the method of tissue fixation used.[2] Alcian blue staining of GAGs in tissue may be modified through the addition of an electrolyte such as magnesium chloride.[1]; Packaging; 250, 500 mL in glass bottle; Biochem/physiol Actions; Alcian Blue is a cationic dye. It forms insoluble complexes with acidic glycosaminoglycans, thereby aiding in the quantitative determination of glycosaminoglycans.[5] It is also used for the staining of bone and cartilage.[6]