Morning Roshan,
	Assuming that you are making the mixtures, then you must also have
the starting materials.  Since both the alginates and gelatins are
self-gelling, and since one is carbohydrate and the other protein, I would
proceed as follows.  Make two separate samples of the pure, individual
gelled materials and cut 1/8" slices that you then place next to one another
in a block of GMA.  NOTE:  I don't think the embedment will be a 'neutral'
observer in this experimental situation.  You might need to find a less
reactive embedment.
	The rest is history.  You are looking for two colors that are
distinguishable but exclusive in reaction.  They must each be color fast (no
leaching permitted). 
	Once I had sections, I would try PAS on one slide and Fast Green FCF
at a pH that lies above the isoelectric point (pI) of the gelatin on
another.  As the King of Siam said, "Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera!"

	Hope this helps and that my suggestion works.

Regards,

Fred Monson

Frederick C. Monson, PhD   
Center for Advanced Scientific Imaging
Schmucker II Science Center
West Chester University
South Church Street and Rosedale
West Chester, Pennsylvania, USA, 19383
Phone:  610-738-0437
FAX:  610-738-0437
fmonson@wcupa.edu
CASI URL:  http://darwin.wcupa.edu/casi/
WCUPA URL:  http://www.wcupa.edu/
Visitors URL:  http://www.wcupa.edu/_visitors/



> ----------
> From: 	Roshan James
> Sent: 	Monday, July 1, 2002 10:41 AM
> To: 	histonet@pathology.swmed.edu
> Subject: 	specific stain for gelatin/alginate in GMMA?
> 
> I am interested in specific stains that would
> differentiate alginate and gelatin? The specimens are
> embedded in GMMA and do show a good deal of background
> staining with the traditional staining methods i have
> used. also its difficult to distinguish between
> alginate and gelatin areas.
> thanks in advance.
> 
> Roshan James
> email: roshanj@clemson.edu
> 
> 
> __________________________________________________
> Do You Yahoo!?
> Yahoo! - Official partner of 2002 FIFA World Cup
> http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com
> 
>