Chris

There are a range of things you could try. Acriflavin, acridine orange, safranine, berberine sulphate, toluidine blue, basic fuchsin and any schiff reagent. These will all tend to stain lignified walls much more than unlignified walls although with limited specificity. We have used most of these for 3D reconstructions. We have a CD available detailing techniques and examples of reconstructions. Contact me off list if you are interested.

Regards


Dr Lloyd Donaldson
Senior Scientist
Scion - Next Generation Biomaterials
49 Sala St. Rotorua
Private Bag 3020, Rotorua 3046
NEW ZEALAND
Ph: 64 7 343 5581
Fx: 64 7 343 5507
www.scionresearch.com



-----Original Message-----
From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Stuehrk, Chris
Sent: Wednesday, 27 January 2010 5:07 a.m.
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Fluorophores for wood?

Dear Confocal community,

I have a special question regarding labeling of wood cells (spruce).
For tomography reasons I like to label wood cells to improve the autofluorescence, because not all
cell structures might give a constant signal.
So far we have managed to visualize a wood decaying fungus that grows through
the pits and erodes the cellwalls.
Which dyes and fluorophores might bind to all elements of wood (lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose)
to produce a constant fluorescence?
Thanks for any helpful comments!!

best wishes

Chris Stührk

Laboratory Wood
Woodprotection and Biotechnology
Empa - Material Science & Technology
Room D 1.17
Lerchenfeldstrasse 5
CH-9014 St. Gallen

Pho: +41 (0) 71 2747622
Fax: +41 (0) 71 2747694
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