Carazzi's Hematoxylin Stain Solution

Hematoxylin is a basic natural dye that stains cell nuclei. The primary component of nuclear chromatin is DNA; within the double helix structure of DNA, phosphate groups on the two nucleotide chains face outward, causing the exterior of the DNA double helix to carry a negative charge and exhibit acidic properties. Consequently, it readily binds to the positively charged hematoxylin basic dye via ionic or hydrogen bonds, resulting in staining.

This solution is primarily composed of hematoxylin and potassium aluminum sulfate (alum), classifying it as an alum hematoxylin solution. This staining solution contains a low concentration of hematoxylin, which prevents the formation of an oxide film (scum). It provides clear staining of the cell nucleus without staining the cytoplasm or fibrous components. As a progressive stain, it does not require hydrochloric acid ethanol differentiation after staining.