The pH of staining solutions is critical for the binding affinity of dyes to tissue components. For example, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining is highly pH-dependent. Hematoxylin binds to acidic structures (e.g., nucleic acids) at a basic pH, while eosin binds to basic structures (e.g., proteins) at an acidic pH. Maintaining the appropriate pH ensures clear and differential staining, which is vital for accurate tissue evaluation.
