In article <Pine.PMDF.3.91.970213073139.539357533A-100000 at GNV.IFAS.UFL.EDU>, kdno at GNV.IFAS.UFL.EDU ("NOLTE, KURT D") wrote:
>>>On Wed, 12 Feb 1997, Margaret A. Kuchenreuther wrote:
>>> Greetings Plant-Eders:
>>>> I need to attend to a number of preserved plant speciemens that are drying
> out,
>> but I'm afraid I've lost my copy of the formula for the preservative FAA. I
>> haven't had luck finding a published formula in the sources immediately at
> hand,
>> so I'd be grateful if someone who routinely uses it could save me further
> search
>> by posting a copy to me at kuchenma at caa.mrs.umn.edu.>>>> Your help is appreciated. I really value the storehouse of knowledge we have
> in
>> this discussion group!
>>>> Margaret A. Kuchenreuther
>> Assistant Professor of Biology
>> Division of Science and Mathematics
>> University of Minnesota - Morris
>> Morris, MN 56267
>>>> Phone: (320) 589-6335 or -6300 (message)
>> FAX: (320) 589-6371
>> email: kuchenma at caa.mrs.umn.edu>>>Hey Margaret:
>>Here you go......The formula for "Formalin Acetic Acid" is
>> 47.5% (v/v) ethanol
> 0.87M Glacial acetic acid
> 3.7% (v/v) formaldehyde
>>Hmmmmmm...."preserved plant specimens that are drying out," huh?? Are you
>sure the cellular structure in your samples is intact? I have had some
>very bad experiences with specimens kept in FAA for long periods. But,
>that was involved in immunohistological localizations. I hope YOU have
>better luck than I did!!
>>
One recommendation for archival storage is to put a piece of parafilm evenly
over the top of the specimen container. For long term storage once the
material is fixed, 70% ethanol may suffice. I can't imagine any biological
activity occurring in either of these solutions. Jars may still have to be
topped off every 5 to 10 years, if the seal is not complete (if this is the
kind of storage you are talking about).
=========================================================================
Scott D. Russell Internet: srussell at ou.edu
Dept of Botany & Microbiology ->http://www.ou.edu/cas/botany-micro/
& Noble Electron Microscopy Lab ->http://www.ou.edu/research/electron/
University of Oklahoma, Norman OK Phone: 1-405-325-6234
73019-0245 USA FAX: 1-405-325-7619
=========================================================================
