The Effectiveness of Basella Rubra Stem as a Counterstain in Gram Staining / Yasmin Marie Q. Astilla ; Maria Victoria Bianca R. Cala ; Mariell C. Ko ; Francis Dominic C. Lizardo ; Maria Cristina M. Mariano ; Maria Zennah P. Querol ; Camille C. Quinto ; Ana Mariella F. Rosales ; Kyla Nicole V. Valmonte and Gian Angelo A. Villalon.

Includes appendices and bibliographical references.

Abstract: Nowadays, most laboratories are using synthetic stains. Due to its many disadvantages, finding an alternative would benefit most of the laboratories as well as the personnel performing procedures involving staining. Based on research, plant-based dyes are said to be the least hazardous. Basellarubra, also known as "Alugbati", are known to contain anthocyyanin, which is an important component for staining. Anthocyanins are mainly found in the fruits and the flesh of a plant. In this research we extracted the anthocyanin and used it as a counterstain. Since the procedure was based on the routine Gram staining, we used the Safranin as the control. Gram-positive and Gram negative bacteria were used to be able to determine if the stain worked. The smears were observed and graded by its intensity. There were no organisms seen in any of the smears after staining. We concluded that the stain produced by the Alugbati can not be used as an alternative for counterstaining. There were certain factors that contributed to the said conclusion such as pH, buffer and mordant. Not all fruits that contain anthocyanin can be used as stain. The antibacterial and antifungal property of the fruit itself must also be considered and technical errors should be lessened

Thesis - School of Medical Technology