Ultraviolet-Fluorescence Microscopy of Paint Cross Sections: Cycloheptaamylose-Dansyl Chloride Complex as a Protein-Selective Stain

Cycloheptaamylose-dansyl chloride complex, a new fluorochrome-specific for proteins, has been investigated as a stain to identify artists' paint media. Its selectivity and limitations are compared to those of the following commonly available fluorescent and nonfluorescent stains: lissamine rhodamine B sulfonyl chloride, 5-tluorescein isothiocyanate, amido black, Sudan black, rhodamine B, and 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein. The methods used to examine the characteristics of these stains were reflected visible light microscopy and ultraviolet-fluorescence microscopy. The known samples of artists' media analyzed with the stains were linseed oil, casein, tempera, glair, gelatin, rabbit skin glue, and acrylic emulsions.