Trypan blue

Trypan blue is derived from toluidine, that is, any of several isomeric bases, C14H16N2, derived from toluene. Trypan blue is so-called because it can kill trypanosomes, the parasites that cause sleeping sickness. An analog of trypan blue, suramin, is used pharmacologically against trypanosomiasis. Trypan blue is also known as diamine blue and Niagara blue. The extinction coefficient for trypan blue is 6⋅104 M−1 cm−1 at 607 nm in methanol. Trypan red and trypan blue were first synthesized by the German scientist Paul Ehrlich in 1904. ==Uses of trypan blue==

of Hyaloperonospora parasitica within a leaf of Arabidopsis thaliana by using the trypan blue staining. Trypan blue is commonly used in microscopy (for cell counting) and in laboratory mice for assessment of tissue viability. The method cannot distinguish between necrotic and apoptotic cells. It may be used to observe fungal hyphae and stramenopiles. Trypan blue is also used in ophthalmic cataract surgery to stain the anterior capsule in the presence of a mature cataract, to aid in visualization, before creating the continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis. In keratoplasty, trypan blue can be used to stain the posterior stromal fibers during deep lamellar endothelial keratoplasty (DLEK) and to stain the endothelium in Descemet's stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK). Trypan blue is used in vitreoretinal surgeries also. In early 20th century, the existence of a barrier protective toward the brain (blood brain barrier) was inferred, based on the observation that injection of trypan blue in animals led to whole‐body staining except for the brain and spinal cord. ==Synonyms==

• Azidine blue 3B • Benzamine blue 3B • Benzo Blue bB • Chlorazol blue 3B • Diamine blue 3B • Dianil blue H3G • Direct blue 14 • Niagara blue 3B ==Further reading==