Oil red O solution (0.5% in propylene glycol) is widely utilized in research focused on:

• Histological Staining: This compound is commonly used in histology labs to stain lipids in tissue sections, making it easier to visualize fat deposits under a microscope. This application is crucial in studies related to obesity and metabolic disorders.
• Cell Culture Studies: Researchers use oil red O to assess lipid accumulation in cultured cells, particularly in studies involving adipocytes (fat cells). This helps in understanding cellular metabolism and the effects of various treatments on fat storage.
• Food Industry Quality Control: It serves as a colorant in food products, where its vibrant red hue can enhance the visual appeal of certain items, such as baked goods and confections, while also providing a means to monitor fat content.
• Pharmaceutical Research: In drug formulation, oil red O can be used to study the interaction of drugs with lipid components, aiding in the development of lipid-based drug delivery systems that improve bioavailability.
• Environmental Studies: The compound is applied in environmental research to assess lipid pollution in water samples, helping scientists understand the impact of industrial waste on aquatic ecosystems.