The purpose of fixation is to preserve the original morphological structure of cells and tissues. Fixatives can prevent autolysis of tissues and cells by endogenous lysosomal enzymes and inhibit the growth of bacteria and molds. Fixatives alter the internal structure of proteins through coagulation, formation of adducts, and other mechanisms, thereby inactivating enzymes. Fixatives also induce physical changes in the nucleus and extracellular components of cells. Fixatives are mainly classified into aldehyde fixatives, mercuric fixatives, alcoholic fixatives, oxidizing fixatives, picrate fixatives, etc. Among the commonly used ones are formalin in the aldehyde group and ethanol in the alcoholic group.
Formaldehyde Calcium Fixative (10%) is mainly composed of formaldehyde, calcium salts, and deionized water. This fixative is suitable for the fixation of most tissues.
Procedure (For Reference Only):
1. Operate according to the specific requirements of the experiment. Generally, the fixation time is controlled at 1–4 hours per mm of specimen thickness; the fixation time should be appropriately prolonged for large specimens.
2. Fixed tissues can be stored long-term in 10% Formal-Calcium Fixative or 70% ethanol.
Precautions:
1. 10% Formal-Calcium Fixative is somewhat irritating and corrosive. Please operate in a well-ventilated environment and avoid inhalation.
2. The pH of the fixative should preferably be close to neutral, within the range of 6–8.
3. Temperature has a significant effect on fixation: increasing temperature accelerates fixation, but the temperature should not be excessively high.
4. Fresh tissues should be fixed promptly after excision. If fixation cannot be performed immediately, the tissues should be preserved in physiological saline and submitted for testing without delay.
5. For your safety and health, please wear a laboratory coat and disposable gloves during operation.
6. This product is for research use only and strictly prohibited for other purposes.
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