>
> Greetings,
>         A couple of our clients at the IMR are interested in fluorescently
> labeling starch in food products.  Does anyone know of a fluorescent stain which
> is specific for starch?  Suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
>         Thank-you
>                                 Vickie
>
Vickie,
 
What specificity do you require? The PAS stain procedure for "total
polysaccharides" using pararosanilin produces a fluorescent product that
may be useful if there are no interfering polysaccharides. Observe with a
rhodamine set, and the emission filter may need optimization for the deep
red emission. Existing aldehydes interfere with the reaction. I can get a
reference if you need it.
 
Dale Callaham