Application of a Natural Dye Extracted from Heartwood of Sappan Tree (Biancaea sappan (L.) Tod.) for Chromosome Staining

Abstract

The aim of this research was to extract natural dyes from the heartwood of the Sappan tree (Biancaea sappan (L.) Tod.) used for chromosome staining to replace acetocarmine synthetic dyes is available at a high price. The processing is by bringing Sappan tree for grinding, then extracted by maceration method into 5 types of solvents, which are distillation water, 95% methanol, 70% methanol, 95% ethanol and 70% ethanol. The ratio of 1:20 g/ml for 24 hours at room temperature. Then filter to extract natural dyes with No. 1 filter paper and then separated into groups to add 2 types of mordant, which are Sodium chloride and Copper sulfate at a concentration of 10% by weight per volume with a total of 15 dyes for example. From the result, highest of yield (% yield) was Sappan tree extracted with distillation water (62.80 ± 0.37%). Chemical and physical propertied were studied, it was found that all 15 dyes that were tested had acid-base status in the range of 3.30-5.95, the maximum absorption spectrum is in the range 454-520 nm. The appearance of color was measured using CIE color system to measure L* a* b * and color comparisons using the Muncel color system provided shades of yellow-red to red. The study on chromosome staining showed that the Sappan tree extracted 70% methanol and had Copper sulfate mordant. It has the best quality in chromosome staining, obviously suitable for cell division and the cell region in the metaphase is clearly visible and is the same as Acetocarmine dye. The dye quality can be maintained at 4±1 °C for at least 4 weeks.