Certain fluorescent dyes such as Blankophor have a high affinity for the b -glycosidically linked polysaccharides such as glucan and chitin, which are main the constituents of the fungal cell wall. Therefore, these fluorescent dyes can be used for screening clinical samples for the presence of fungal elements. This procedure can be performed using the following specimens: Nail, Skin, Bronchial alveolar lavage fluid, Sputum and Biopsies. - [Read Detection of Fungi by Fluorescence Microscopy Using Fluorescent Brighteners]
Fixation is to preserve cells and tissue constituents in as close a life-like state as possible and to allow them to undergo further preparative procedures without change. Fixation arrests autolysis and bacterial decomposition and stabilises the cellular and tissue constituents so that they withstand the subsequent stages of tissue processing. Great detailed guide with protocols. Anthony S-Y Leong. - [Read Fixation and Fixatives - A great guide]
The Cell Growth Environment- http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/Area_of_Interest/Life_Science/Cell_Culture/Key_Resources/ECACC_Handbook/Cell_Culture_Techniques_6.html#Environment
Cultured cells require a sterile environment and a supply of nutrients for growth. Basic Constituents of media. Sigma - [Read The Cell Growth Environment]