acriflavine

Acriflavine is a synthetic acridine dye that belongs to the acridine family. It is a planar, cationic compound used historically for its antiseptic properties and as a fluorescent stain in microbiology and histology. The molecule is water-soluble and shows fluorescence under ultraviolet light, a characteristic that has aided its use as a staining and diagnostic agent.

Historically, acriflavine served as a topical antiseptic for skin infections and mucosal irritations. In microbiology and pathology, it has been employed as a fluorescent stain to visualize nucleic acids and cell structures, aiding fluorescence microscopy and cytological procedures. Its intercalating properties with DNA contributed to both its staining utility and its antimicrobial effects.

Pharmacology and mechanism of action: Acriflavine intercalates into DNA, which can disrupt replication and transcription to varying extents. This intercalation underlies part of its antimicrobial activity but also contributes to cytotoxic and mutagenic effects. As a result, its clinical use as an antiseptic has diminished in favor of safer agents.

Safety and regulatory status: Acriflavine is considered a hazardous compound with potential for irritation and mutagenicity. Due to safety concerns, its use in routine clinical practice has declined, and it is now more commonly encountered in laboratory staining procedures under controlled conditions rather than as a consumer antiseptic.

Chemistry and related compounds: Acriflavine is an acridine derivative with amino substituents, giving it basic, dye-like properties and enabling binding to nucleic acids. Related compounds in the same class include proflavine, which share similar staining and intercalation characteristics.

See also: Proflavine; Acridine dyes.