Calcofluor-white staining

Fluorescence microscopic method which is mainly used in mycological diagnostics to detect fungal structures in native materials. Calcofluor acts as fluorescent optical brightener and belongs to the group of diaminostilbenes. Diaminostilbenes bind to chitin, the main component of the cell walls of fungi. The working solution is prepared with 20% KOH solution. After staining (10 min under exclusion of light in 0.03 % calcofluor) the smears are washed several times with H2Odest and stored in 25 % glycerol. Excitation is performed in the reflected light fluorescence mode.

1. Nenoff, P et al (2014) Mycology - An Update Part 2: Dermatomycoses: Clinical picture and diagnostics. JDDG 12:749-778