Glutaraldehyde Fixative (4%)

The purpose of fixation is to preserve the original morphological structure of cells and tissues, and the fixative can prevent endogenous lysosomal enzymes from autolyzing their own tissues and cells, and inhibit the growth of bacteria and molds. The fixative changes the internal structure of the protein by coagulation, formation of additive compounds, etc., thereby inactivating the enzyme.

Glutaraldehyde fixative (4%) is a conventional tissue fixative, mainly composed of glutaraldehyde solution and phosphate. It is used in biochemistry applications as an amine-reactive homobifunctional crosslinker and fixative prior to SDS-PAGE, staining, or electron microscopy. This buffer is commonly used to stabilize nucleus and cytoplasm specimens such as bacteria, plant material, and human cells.