Alcian Blue and Colloidal Iron Staining Methods Adapted to Filter Paper Electrophoresis

Filter paper moistened with solutions used in electro-chromatography was spotted with 0.5-1.0μl of solutions of mucopolysaccharides and allowed to air dry. Substances tested with respect to their staining reaction were as follows: (a) From commercial sources: hyaluronic acid, heparin, chondroitin sulfate, ovomucoid and gastric mucin, (b) From natural sources: blood serum, saliva, tears, vitreous filtrate and aqueous humor. Alcian blue was found to be a good general stain for mucopolysaccharides and for locating such material on filter paper, especially when more specific means were used subsequently for identifying the kind of mucopolysaccharide present. Staining by colloidal iron of materials on filter paper was similar to that by the periodic acid-Schiff reaction. However, heparin and chondroitin sulfate were not stained by iron when on filter paper but were stained when placed on glass slides.