Negative staining: a forgotten technique in microbiology

Entesar Ahmed Alazazi; Sarfraz Ahmed; Mogana Das Murtey

No Detail Found!

Negative staining: a forgotten technique in microbiology

Author(s)

Entesar Ahmed Alazazi School of Dental Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, 16150 Kota Bharu, Kelantan – Malaysia

Sarfraz Ahmed Department of basic sciences, KBCMA College Of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Narowal - Pakistan

Mogana Das Murtey School of Dental Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, 16150 Kota Bharu, Kelantan – Malaysia

Abstract

Electron microscopy techniques have been well established as a rapid method in examining the basic characteristics of microorganisms such as bacteria as well as viruses and subsequently, exploring biological phenomena in greater detail. Though various staining techniques are available for the accurate identification of bacteria and viruses, the negative staining technique is well known for its simplicity. Negative staining is a fast technique that uses only one acidic stain and the absence of heat fixation of the sample. This stain can produce contrast images when an acidic stain does not infiltrate the cell due to repulsion between negative charges of the stain and the bacteria/viruses’ surface. However, this technique is currently fast disappearing from mainstream microscopy techniques. Thus, this short review is intended to highlight the advantages (this wasn’t discussed explicitly) and applications of the negative staining technique among laboratorians, particularly in the current, fast-paced lab environment.

Publication Details

Page(s) 309-313

DOI DOI not available

Published Journal: Advancements in life sciences, Volume: 10, Issue: 3, Year: 2023

Request the full text from PASTIC

Keywords

bacteria, bacteria, microbiology, Microscopy, Electron microscopy, Negative staining