The names of some laboratory reagents are based on proper nouns and have initial capitals:
Coomassie blue stain Grignard reagent Freund adjuvant
Do not use initial capitals for terms with no proper nouns:
bromophenol blue dextran dimethylsulfide
A range of laboratory products used in chromatography and other analytical methods are brand names and have initial capitals:
The same rule applies, strictly, to other proprietary names (eg Polaroid, Vaseline, Parafilm), but many of these names have been assimilated into general use, and the initial capital has been dropped. Be careful of any possible infringement of trademark status when using such terms, and capitalise appropriately (and consistently). Be guided by the dictionary. See Brand names and trademarks.
