What do I do if I see crystals under the microscope using the Senescence β-Galactosidase Staining Kit #9860?

We recommend following these troubleshooting steps if you see crystals under the microscope when using the Senescence β-Galactosidase Staining Kit #9860.

 

Do the crystals look like glass shards?
We see these from time to time and we believe these to be undissolved X-Gal, which occurs because there is an abundance of the chemical.

• To troubleshoot, be sure that the original solution is indeed 20mg/ml, as X-Gal can be a bit tricky to weigh out because it is so fluffy.

The solutions should be warmed to 37C prior to diluting, mixing, and adding to cells.

Were your plates wrapped in parafilm?
Wrapping the plates in parafilm is crucial to help prevent evaporation.

Have you checked the age/expiration date of your DMF?
DMF tends to expire and this can affect the solubility of the X-Gal.

To dissolve crystals: 

1. Create a 50% DMSO and water solution (please use caution when working with DMSO).
2. Remove the staining solution.
3. Wash once with PBS
4. Add the DMSO/water solution.
5. Once you observe dissolution of the crystals, remove the DMSO/water solution and wash your plates with 1X PBS several times before overlaying with 70% glycerol and taking your images. 

Last updated: June 29, 2026