What Materials are Commonly Used for Tissue Fixation?
Tissue fixation is a crucial step in preserving specimens for histological examination. Commonly used fixatives include formalin, which is a solution of formaldehyde in water, and paraformaldehyde. These chemicals cross-link proteins, thereby preserving tissue architecture and preventing autolysis and decomposition. Other fixatives like glutaraldehyde and alcohol-based solutions are also used depending on the tissue type and the intended downstream applications.
