Alcian Blue 8GX is a cationic dye used to quantitatively determine glycosaminoglycans by forming insoluble complexes in solution. The dye contains approximately 50 percent color, with a color index number of 74240. In addition, the dye increases in selectivity when increasing amounts of magnesium chloride are added. In contrast, studies show that when electrolyte concentration is very low, Alcian Blue 8GX has trouble binding to carboxylate or phosphate groups. Furthermore, Alcian Blue 8GX can be used to determine proteins based on their Resonance Light Scattering by strongly enhancing the signals.
