Potential alternative to formaldehyde fixatives-A study

Abstract

Aim : the aim of this study is to find a potential alternative that can be used in place of the regular fixatives . Materials and method : in this study , we will use sodium nitrite as a fixative. 8 samples of the tissue overlying the extracted teeth will be used. Background : fixation is the foundation step behind the study of pathology and essentially exists to prevent the autolysis and degradation of the tissue and tissue components such that they can be observed both anatomically and microscopically following sectioning. A number of fixatives exist, either having being in use for decades, or in the case of formaldehyde over a century, while others have only been created in the last 10 years. The broad objective of tissue fixation is to preserve cells and tissue components in a “life-like state” and to do this in such a way as to allow for the preparation of thin, stained sections. Sodium nitrite has been found to inhibit growth of disease-causing microorganisms; give taste and color to the meat; and inhibit lipid oxidation that leads to rancidity. Reason : an innovative method to detect the effectiveness of a new salt like sodium nitrite as a fixative in place of the usual toxic formalin.