Pierce™ 16% Formaldehyde (w/v), Methanol-free
Pierce™ 16% Formaldehyde (w/v), Methanol-free
Pierce™ 16% Formaldehyde (w/v), Methanol-free
Pierce™ 16% Formaldehyde (w/v), Methanol-free
Pierce™ 16% Formaldehyde (w/v), Methanol-free
Thermo Scientific™

Pierce™ 16% Formaldehyde (w/v), Methanol-free

Thermo Scientific Pierce Formaldehyde Ampules are vials of high-quality, methanol-free formaldehyde for use as a general IHC fixative and reversibleRead more
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Catalog NumberQuantity
2890610 x 1 mL
2890810 x 10 mL
Catalog number 28906
Price (USD)
63.50
Each
Add to cart
Quantity:
10 x 1 mL
Request bulk or custom format
Price (USD)
63.50
Each
Add to cart
Thermo Scientific Pierce Formaldehyde Ampules are vials of high-quality, methanol-free formaldehyde for use as a general IHC fixative and reversible amine-crosslinking agent for protein and nucleic acid tissue samples.

The availability of a high-quality, ampule-sealed solution of formaldehyde saves valuable time and eliminates the need and hazards associated with preparing the solution directly from paraformaldehyde. Pierce Formaldehyde is carefully prepared directly from granular paraformaldehyde and sealed under an inert atmosphere in 1 mL and 10 mL ampules. Ampule packaging stabilizes the preparation by protecting the solution from both air oxidation and light, allowing access to 'fresh' formaldehyde every time.

Features of Methanol-free 16% Formaldehyde Ampules:

Fresh—formaldehyde solution remains stable and free of contamination in an amber pre-scored ampule.
Sized Right—package sizes geared for applications ranging from culture-targeted cell fixing to in-cell protein-based applications.
Convenient Starting Concentration—16% w/v formaldehyde solution simplifies dilution to the required working concentration.
Minimizes Waste—1 mL and 10 mL package sizes allow selection of product that will result in less waste and minimize disposal concerns.

Application-targeted ampule packaging
The package sizes of the 16% Formaldehyde Solution (formalin) are targeted to both low and high volume users. The appropriate package size is selected based on the most common applications requiring a fresh, methanol-free formaldehyde solution. The 16% (w/v) solution simplifies the dilution for each respective application and the application-directed packaging minimizes waste.

• 1-mL ampules are intended for protein-based in cell applications such as Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) or protein interaction discovery.
• 10-mL ampules are intended for bioimaging (high content screening/analysis) such as fixing cells on a culture plate before image analysis.

'Prepared fresh' Sealed in Ampules
Our formaldehyde solution is prepared as a 16% (w/v) solution of paraformaldehyde (pure granular solid) in distilled/deionized water. Solution stabilization is important because formaldehyde solutions oxidize to formic acid and eventually repolymerize to paraformaldehyde. Most protocols requiring methanol-free formaldehyde suggest that the formaldehyde be 'prepared fresh'. This formaldehyde solution is sealed in ampules immediately after formulation under an inert atmosphere. Ampule packaging stabilizes the preparation allowing access to 'fresh' formaldehyde each time.

For added safety when opening glass ampules, consider using our Ampule Breakers, which are disposable safety devices that protect the fingers when breaking open a glass ampule.

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
Specifications
TypeFormaldehyde
Product LinePierce
FormatLiquid
Reagent TypeFixation Reagent
Quantity10 x 1 mL
Unit SizeEach
Contents & Storage
Store in original container protected from direct sunlight in a dry, cool and well-ventilated area.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Where do I find the expiry date of Pierce 16% Formaldehyde (w/v), Methanol-free (Cat. No. 28906)?

We guarantee the functionality of Pierce 16% Formaldehyde (w/v), Methanol-free for one year from date of shipment, if stored correctly. See Limited Warranties for consumables under the General Terms and Conditions of Sale.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Labeling Chemistry Support Center

What are the options for crosslinking proteins to nucleic acids, and what are the differences between them?

We offer the following crosslinkers for protein to nucleic acids: formaldehyde (Cat. No. 28906), SPB (Cat. No. 23013), SDAD (Cat. No. 26169), sulfo-SDAD (Cat. No. 26175), and sulfo-SBED (Cat. No. A39260).
Formaldehyde can be used for DNA-DNA crosslinking as well as DNA-protein crosslinking. While it is good for crosslinking proteins that are in direct contact with DNA, formaldehyde cannot link proteins that may be bound in a complex with other proteins but are not in direct contact with DNA. EGS or DSG can crosslink proteins to other proteins that are in direct contact with DNA and crosslinked to DNA by formaldehyde.
SPB, Sulfo-SDAD, and Sulfo-SBED are all photoreactive crosslinkers. SPB is an NHS-ester and psoralen heterobifunctional crosslinker that conjugates primary amines on proteins to DNA via photo-activated intercalation of psoralen to pyrimidine bases. The psoralen tricyclic planar ring system intercalates into double-stranded, and to a lesser extent, single-stranded DNA and RNA. The photoreactive psoralen group provides more selective covalent binding to nucleic acids than either phenyl azide or diazerine linkers, which makes SPB the best choice. The diazerine on sulfo-SDAD and the phenyl azide on sulfo-SBED are not selective for nucleic acids and can crosslink other biomolecules in the same besides any protein-DNA interactions. Sulfo-SBED involves biotin transfer rather than actual linking.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Protein Purification and Isolation Support Center.

What fixative should I use to fix my cells or tissues for antibody labeling?

Aldehyde-based fixatives (e.g., formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde) crosslink various cellular components, which helps retain proteins and cell morphology, but some antigens can be masked by the crosslinking, requiring antigen retrieval methods to unmask the antigen binding sites. Also, aldehyde-based fixation requires permeabilization to allow entry of antibodies. Organic solvents such as methanol and acetone condense proteins and permeabilize the cells, but cell morphology can be compromised. Surface antigens can be labeled without fixation.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Analysis Support Center.

What is the difference between formalin and formaldehyde?

The terms “formalin” and “formaldehyde” are often used interchangeably, although the chemical composition of each fixative is different. Formalin is made with formaldehyde but the percentage denotes a different formaldehyde concentration than formaldehyde solutions. For example, 10% neutral-buffered formalin (NBF or simply formalin) is really a 4% formaldehyde solution; the basis for this difference is that historically, formalin was prepared with commercial-grade stock formaldehyde, which is 37 to 40% formaldehyde, by diluting it 1:10 in phosphate buffer.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Protein Purification and Isolation Support Center.

What is the difference between Formaldehyde and Paraformaldehyde?

Most commercial formaldehyde is prepared with paraformaldehyde (polymeric formaldehyde) dissolved in distilled/deionized water, with methanol added to stabilize the aqueous formaldehyde. Solution stabilization is important to prevent oxidation to formic acid and the eventual repolymerization to paraformaldehyde, and therefore commercial formaldehyde may contain up to 10% methanol. To avoid using methanol-contaminated formaldehyde for fixation, many protocols recommend making “fresh” formaldehyde from paraformaldehyde immediately before sample fixation. This preparation is not necessary if using Cat. Nos. 28906 and 28908.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Protein Purification and Isolation Support Center.