Formalin-Ethanol Solution
Cat No.: DCP-FEA1X
Size: 500 mL
Sterile, Ultrapure, Filtered 0.1-micron membrane TWICE and 0.04-micron membrane ONCE.
Description:
Formalin-Ethanol Solution is a professional-grade histological fixative designed to combine the robust cross-linking properties of formalin with the rapid dehydration and penetration-enhancing capabilities of ethanol. This dual-action formulation ensures superior preservation of cellular and extracellular architecture while maintaining biomolecular integrity, making it an indispensable tool for histopathological research, diagnostic laboratories, and academic institutions requiring precise tissue analysis.
The solution contains a standardized ratio of 37–40% formaldehyde (stabilized in aqueous solution as formalin) and ethanol, optimized to balance fixation quality with tissue processing efficiency. The formalin component induces protein cross-linking via methylene bridge formation, stabilizing cellular structures and organelles for morphological assessment. Concurrently, ethanol acts as a coagulative fixative, precipitating proteins through hydrogen bond disruption while accelerating formalin penetration into dense tissues. This synergy reduces fixation time compared to traditional neutral buffered formalin (NBF) while minimizing the tissue shrinkage and brittleness associated with alcohol-only fixatives.
Applications:
- Routine histology: Preserves fine cytological details in biopsies, surgical specimens, and autopsy tissues.
- Molecular studies: Maintains RNA/DNA integrity for downstream PCR, sequencing, and hybridization assays.
- Long-term archival storage: Provides stable tissue preservation for retrospective studies.
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC): Enhances antigen retrieval compared to NBF due to reduced protein cross-linking.
Advantages:
Formalin-Ethanol Solution excels in preserving both structural and molecular components of tissue specimens. Studies demonstrate that ethanol-formalin combinations yield
15–20% higher genomic DNA and RNA recovery compared to NBF-fixed samples, particularly after extended fixation periods. The solution’s dehydrating properties also reduce ice crystal formation during cryopreservation, making it suitable for transport in cold environments. Additionally, the reduced formaldehyde concentration lowers exposure risks for laboratory personnel, addressing growing safety concerns surrounding traditional formalin use.
Composition:
| Ingredients |
Concentration |
| Formalin (37–40% formaldehyde) |
10% |
| Ethanol (80% v/v) |
90% |
Safety Information:
This solution mitigates but does not eliminate formaldehyde-related hazards. Users must adhere to OSHA/NIOSH guidelines, including:
- PPE requirements: Nitrile gloves, lab coats, and eye protection.
- Exposure limits: Ceiling concentration ≤ 0.1 ppm (15-minute TWA).
Quality Control:
- Appearance: Clear solution
- 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 RT 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.
