Figure 3.

Microscopy of trypan blue-stained gingival fibroblasts exposed to different oral rinses. Gingival fibroblasts were cultured and exposed to a tenfold dilution of selected oral rinses for 2 minutes. Afterwards, cells were stained with fourfold PBS diluted 0.4% trypan blue for 1 minute. The blue color specifies the disrupted cell membranes with increased permeability to the staining solution, indicating cell death. Oral rinses #1 to #5 show intact cell membranes, suggesting vital cells after exposure. Cells detached from the surface after exposure to oral rinse #6, and therefore fewer blue-stained cells were visible. All images were taken at a tenfold magnification.