Mucicarmine Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Mucicarmine - Research Paper Example The end red color observed results from the combination of carminic acid and positively charged aluminium ions. The complex is the vital component of the dye that makes it feasible for use in tumor identification and subsequent cancer diagnosis in biochemical laboratories (Gupta et al., 2012). The cations in the complex are responsible for the final positive charge that characterizes the complex. Positive charge of the dye, a result of the complex formed between the carmic acid and ions of aluminium is the property that allows for its effective utilization in cancer diagnosis. Therefore, this explains the selectivity of the dye towards the negatively charged gastrointestinal mucins during staining (Myers, 2009). The most important component of the mucicarmine, carmic acid originates from cochineal group of insects. Specifically, scientists perform extraction of carmic acid from the female members of the genus Coccus cacti. Solvent extraction, which entails a series of stages, remains performed on the dried body parts of the female insects. The pigments contained in the bodies of the insects are varied but carmic acid remains the point of interest throughout the process. Dried insects are ground in a mortar; a specific amount of the powder is mixed in a methanol-water medium. The mixture is blended to form a homogenous solution. Solvent extraction in vessel containing selector water at about 80 0C follows blending. Mayer’s is a special stain that incorporates mucicarmine in its mode of action. The stain is usually alkaline due to the excess positive charges that result from the aluminium cations contained in the carmic acid and aluminium complex. The stain is more effective on the mucins, which are acidic due to excesses of negative charges. Mayer’s stain is very effective as positive charges attract negative charges causing excellent visualization of the target