Fungal cells are mostly transparent, which makes them hard to see. A stain adds contrast so that outlines and internal structures stand out. Methylene blue is one of the most common because it is cheap, easy to use and works on many types of tissue.
What stain does and does not do
Methylene blue colours cell contents, particularly nuclei, and makes the outline of delicate cells easier to see. It is most useful with pale or colourless material such as hyphae (the thread-like cells of mycelium), gill tissue and cell structure. Spores that are already dark may take little stain and can look just as good unstained, so try both and compare.
What you need
Our methylene blue staining kit is a complete starter: 5ml of stain, three slides, three cover slips and a pipette. For regular use, add plain slides, cover slips and disposable pipettes, and keep one pipette per liquid so stain never ends up in your water.
Method
- Put a small drop of water on a clean slide.
- Add your sample: a speck of spores, or a tiny piece of tissue teased apart with a needle.
- Add one very small drop of stain beside it and let it mix. Use less than you think; too much makes the whole field dark blue.
- Lower a cover slip at an angle to avoid bubbles (the steps are in our spore slide guide).
- Wait one to two minutes, then blot excess from the edges with tissue.
- Look at 400x. If the image is too dark, remake the slide with less stain.
Safety and clean-up
- Methylene blue stains skin, clothing and worktops. Wear gloves and work on a tray or paper towel.
- Keep it away from children, pets and food, and do not swallow it.
- Do not tip large amounts down the drain. Soak up small amounts with tissue and bin it.
- Wipe the work area with an alcohol wipe afterwards.
Wipe your objectives with lens cleaning paper if any stain gets on them. See our full slides and stains range.
Our spore syringes are sold for microscopy and research only. Growing mushrooms that contain psilocybin is illegal in the UK. This guide is general information, not legal advice. You must be 18 or over to buy from this shop.
