Glutaraldehyde, EM Grade, 8% is a high-purity aqueous glutaraldehyde solution recommended for electron microscopy, histochemical, and immunological techniques. Polysciences developed an EM Grade glutaraldehyde suitable for immunochemical techniques, with each batch analyzed to support consistent quality and minimize contaminants that can interfere with antigenicity.
This vacuum-distilled glutaraldehyde solution is used as a fixative for electron microscopy and biological sample preparation workflows. Independent quality studies cited on the product page report minimal polymeric contamination and no impurities at 235 nm in unopened, refrigerated material after extended storage.
Key Properties
- High-purity EM Grade glutaraldehyde for electron microscopy workflows
- Recommended for histochemical and immunological techniques
- Product Number: 07710
- CAS Number: 111-30-8
- Molecular formula: C5H8O2
- Molecular weight: 100.12
- Concentration: 8% aqueous solution
- Assay specification: 7.5-8.5%
- pH specification: 3.0-5.5
- Appearance: Clear colorless liquid
- Available sizes: 100 mL and 5 x 100 mL
Applications
Electron Microscopy Fixation
Used as a fixative in electron microscopy sample preparation where preservation of ultrastructure and reproducible fixation performance are important.
Histochemical Techniques
Recommended for histochemical workflows requiring high-purity glutaraldehyde with controlled quality and low polymeric contamination.
Immunological & Immunochemical Techniques
Suitable for immunological and immunochemical techniques where contaminants that interfere with antigenicity must be minimized.
Biological Sample Preparation
Useful in fixation protocols for biological specimens, including workflows involving buffered glutaraldehyde solutions and downstream microscopy analysis.
Compatibility & Method Considerations
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Fixative type: Aqueous glutaraldehyde solution
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Primary use: Electron microscopy and biological fixation workflows
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Buffering: Dilute or buffer according to the validated fixation protocol and target sample type
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Stability factors: Glutaraldehyde polymerization is influenced by pH, temperature, storage conditions, and buffer composition
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Quality control: Specification includes absorbance ratio and assay requirements to support EM Grade performance
Fixation performance depends on sample type, buffer system, pH, osmolality, concentration, exposure time, and downstream processing conditions.
Preparation Tips
- Prepare working solutions according to the validated fixation protocol for the target specimen and microscopy method.
- Use freshly prepared buffered solutions when required for consistent fixation performance.
- Control buffer pH, molarity, and osmolality, as these can affect fixation quality and sample preservation.
- Mix buffer and glutaraldehyde close to use when working at higher pH conditions to reduce polymerization risk.
- Document concentration, buffer system, pH, fixation time, temperature, and post-fixation steps for reproducible results.
Handling & Storage
- Use gloves, chemical goggles, appropriate PPE, and a fume hood when handling.
- Avoid skin contact, eye contact, ingestion, and inhalation of vapors.
- Store refrigerated at 4°C.
- Keep container tightly closed when not in use.
- Use only with adequate ventilation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Glutaraldehyde, EM Grade, 8% used for?
It is used as a high-purity fixative for electron microscopy, histochemical techniques, immunological techniques, and biological sample preparation workflows.
2. What does EM Grade mean?
EM Grade indicates that the glutaraldehyde is prepared and quality controlled for electron microscopy applications, where purity and reproducible fixation performance are important.
3. What is the concentration of this glutaraldehyde solution?
This product is supplied as an 8% aqueous glutaraldehyde solution, with an assay specification of 7.5-8.5%.
4. What is the CAS number for glutaraldehyde?
The CAS number for glutaraldehyde is 111-30-8.
5. How should this product be stored?
Store refrigerated at 4°C and keep the container tightly closed when not in use.
6. What precautions should be used when handling Glutaraldehyde, EM Grade, 8%?
Use gloves, chemical goggles, appropriate PPE, and a fume hood. Avoid skin contact, eye contact, ingestion, and inhalation of vapors.
Safety & Documentation
Handle with gloves, chemical goggles, appropriate PPE, and a fume hood. Glutaraldehyde may cause irritation, skin sensitization, and harmful effects if ingested or improperly handled. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS), product specification, technical data sheet, and Certificate of Analysis for handling, storage, safety, and lot-specific guidance.
