Feb 12, 2020
Version 1
3.7% Paraformaldehyde solution V.1
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology1
- 1Friedrich-Alexander-Universität, Erlangen
- Optical Clearing of Tissue
Protocol Citation: Institute of Medical Biotechnology 2020. 3.7% Paraformaldehyde solution. protocols.io https://dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.bcfpitmn
License: This is an open access protocol distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited
Protocol status: Working
We use this protocol and it's working
Created: February 12, 2020
Last Modified: February 12, 2020
Protocol Integer ID: 32975
Keywords: PFA, paraformaldehyde, tissue fixative, tissue fixation , fixation,
Abstract
Protocol for preparing a 3.7% Paraformaldehyde (PFA) solution. 3.7% PFA solution can be used to fix tissues.
Materials
MATERIALS
Paraformaldehyde powder
DPBS
NaOH
HCl
Equipment:
- Hot plate with a magnetic stirrer
- Thermometer
- Glassware
Safety warnings
Formaldehyde is toxic. Please refer to the SDS (Safety Data Sheet) for detailed safety warnings and hazard information.
Before start
Safety information
Formaldehyde is toxic. Please be sure to work under a ventilated fume hood and wear gloves and safety glasses.
For 1 L 3.7% Formaldehyde , add 800 mL 1X DPBS to a glass beaker on a stir plate.
Safety information
Be sure to work under a ventilated fume hood.
Heat while stirring to approximately 55 °C .
Add 37 g paraformaldehyde powder to the heated DPBS solution.
Keep stirring until all PFA powder is dissolved.
Note
Take care that the solution does not boil to prevent formic acid formation.
Note
For better dissolubility of PFA, you can add NaOH -- one drop at the time.
Once all PFA powder is dissolved, adjust the pH to 7.4 using HCl.
Add DPBS subsequently until the total volume of 1 L is reached.
Transfer the solution into tubes of the desired proportions and store at -20 °C until use.