2% Paraformaldehyde with 2% Glutaraldehyde
Cat No.: DCP-PFAGA2X
Size: 500 mL
Sterile, Ultrapure, Filtered 0.1-micron membrane TWICE and 0.04-micron membrane ONCE.
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World’s cleanest reagents for all cell and molecular biology experiments
* Product ships typically within 48 hours, but may take up to 1 week during unforeseen events.
Description:
This dual-aldehyde fixative solution combines the complementary properties of glutaraldehyde and paraformaldehyde in optimal concentrations to provide superior specimen preservation for microscopy and biochemical applications. The solution delivers exceptional ultrastructural preservation while maintaining cellular morphology with minimal artifacts. Our premium 2% Glutaraldehyde with 2% Paraformaldehyde fixative is a carefully formulated solution typically buffered in 0.1M phosphate buffer at physiological pH. This specialized fixative harnesses the synergistic effects of both aldehydes to deliver superior tissue preservation for electron microscopy and other advanced imaging techniques.
Superior Dual-Aldehyde Technology:
The fixative solution utilizes a scientifically optimized combination of two powerful aldehyde preservatives:
- 2% Paraformaldehyde: This small monocarbon aldehyde rapidly penetrates tissues and initiates quick stabilization of cellular structures by denaturing proteins through reactions with alpha-amino groups.
- 2% Glutaraldehyde: This larger five-carbon dialdehyde provides thorough cross-linking of proteins with its two aldehyde groups, creating a stable structural network that preserves ultrastructural details with minimal extraction during subsequent processing.
Applications:
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Electron microscopy specimen preparation.
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Immunohistochemistry studies requiring structural preservation.
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Perfusion and immersion fixation techniques.
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Stabilization of various biological specimens including:
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Bacteria and other microorganisms.
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Plant material and tissues.
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Mammalian cells and tissues.
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Delicate tissue structures requiring optimal preservation.
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Advanced Preservation Mechanism:
The effectiveness of this fixative stems from the complementary action of its components. Paraformaldehyde rapidly penetrates the specimen, providing immediate stabilization, while glutaraldehyde follows with more permanent cross-linking that creates a highly stable preparation.
This dual-action mechanism creates an optimal balance between:
- Rapid initial fixation to prevent autolysis
- Thorough long-term stabilization of subcellular structures
- Preservation of antigenic sites for immunohistochemical applications
- Excellent ultrastructural preservation
Advantages:
- Enhanced Tissue Penetration: The combination leads to better tissue penetration compared to individual fixative compounds.
- Quick Stabilization: Cell ultrastructure is rapidly stabilized by paraformaldehyde penetration.
- Reduced Extraction: The glutaraldehyde cross-linking minimizes potential extraction during subsequent processing steps.
- Versatile Application: Suitable for both perfusion fixation and immersion techniques.
Composition:
| Ingredients | Concentration |
| PFA | 2% |
| Glutaraldehyde | 2% |
| Phosphate Buffer | 0.1M |
Usage Instructions:
For optimal results:
- For immersion fixation, specimens should ideally be no larger than 1mm³ to ensure complete penetration
- Fixation at room temperature for 1 hour is recommended as a starting point
- After fixation, wash specimens 3 × 5 minutes in fixation buffer
- Fixed specimens can be stored at 4°C for up to one week before subsequent processing
This product contains aldehydes which require proper handling:
- Use in a well-ventilated area or under a fume hood.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment including gloves, eye protection, and lab coat.
- Avoid skin contact, inhalation, and ingestion.
- May cause skin irritation, serious eye irritation, and respiratory irritation.
- May cause allergic skin reaction or respiratory symptoms.
- Appearance: Clear solution
- pH: 7.4
- Sterility: Filtered 0.1 micron Twice and 0.04 micron once.
- DNase activity: None was detected after incubation of plasmid DNA, and this product was used for 18 hours at room temperature.
- RNase activity: No RNase activity was detected after incubation of ribosomal RNA and this product for 18 hr at room temperature.
Storage and Shelf Life:
- Store at 4°C away from bright light (amber).
- Shelf life is 12 months.
- Use before expiry date given on the product label.
CUSTOMIZATION: Please INQUIRE if other concentrations, additions of chemicals/compounds/proteins/supplements, different pH, and modifications are needed.
All DiagnoCine Precision Sterile buffers are filtered-sterilized with a 0.1-micron filtration two times and 0.04-micron filtration one time. Thus, mycoplasma contamination is prevented. The smallest size mycoplasma type can be about 0.2 microns.
* This product is manufactured under ISO 13485-certified and CE-approved facilities (Suppliers of DiagnoCine Precision). All final packaging, quality assurance, and testing are done at the DiagnoCine R&D and Quality Testing Center. All specific customization requests and assembly were accomplished at DiagnoCine Precision in Totowa, New Jersey, USA.