Several methods are employed to preserve cartilage tissue effectively:
Fixation: Formaldehyde-based fixatives, such as formalin, are commonly used for preserving cartilage. However, alternative fixatives like glutaraldehyde or alcohol-based solutions can also be utilized to prevent the loss of proteoglycans. Decalcification: When cartilage is attached to bone, decalcification is required to soften the tissue for sectioning. This involves treating the sample with acids or chelating agents to remove the mineral content without damaging the cartilage. Embedding: Traditionally, paraffin embedding is used, but for finer detail, cryosectioning or resin embedding may be preferred to preserve the delicate structures.
