Used in histology to selectively stain acidic polysaccharides such as glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in cartilage tissue. Helps visualize cartilage matrix in developmental biology studies, especially in embryonic tissue sections. Commonly used in combination with other stains like nuclear fast red to provide contrast. Widely applied in research on skeletal development, joint diseases, and tissue engineering to assess proteoglycan distribution and cartilage integrity.