Oil Red O stain (lipid droplets) recipe
Stains neutral lipid droplets red for adipogenesis and fatty-liver studies. Keep a 0.5% stock in isopropanol and mix 3:2 with water for use.
🧮 Volume calculator
| Component | Amount | Final concentration (1X) |
|---|---|---|
| Oil Red O | 500 mg | 0.5% (stock) |
| Isopropanol (100%) | to final volume |
Steps
- Dissolve in isopropanol to make the stock (room temperature, months).
- For use, mix 6 parts stock with 4 parts water, wait 10 min and filter (use within 2 h).
- Fix with 10% formalin → rinse with 60% isopropanol → stain 10–15 min → wash with water.
Good to know
- Quantify by eluting the dye with 100% isopropanol and reading 500–520 nm.
- Unfiltered working solution leaves red crystals on samples.
⚠ Safety Isopropanol is flammable.
FAQ
Can I fix with alcohol?
No — alcohol dissolves the lipids. Fix with formalin or PFA.
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.