0.5% crystal violet staining solution recipe
Used for colony formation assays and viability staining: 0.5% crystal violet in 20% methanol.
🧮 Volume calculator
| Component | Amount | Final concentration (1X) |
|---|---|---|
| Crystal violet | 500 mg | 0.5% (w/v) |
| Methanol | 20 mL | 20% (v/v) |
| Water (distilled) | to final volume |
Steps
- Dissolve crystal violet in methanol and make up to volume with water.
- Filter through paper and store at room temperature.
- Remove medium, wash with PBS, stain 10–30 min, rinse with water and dry.
Good to know
- To quantify, dissolve the dried stain in 10% acetic acid or methanol and read at 570–590 nm.
⚠ Safety Crystal violet is toxic and stains strongly — wear gloves.
FAQ
What counts as a colony?
Typically a cluster of 50 or more cells.
This is a widely used standard composition. Amounts depend on the hydrate form and purity of your reagents — check the formula weight (FW) on the bottle and follow your institution's safety rules and the manufacturers' instructions.