Honey and olive oil as bio-friendly substitutes for formalin and xylene in routine histopathology

Abstract

Background: Formalin has long been the standard fixative and xylene has been the clearing agent for routine histopathology and immunohistochemistry worldwide. In recent years, as a result of increasing concerns about the potential carcinogenicity of formaldehyde and xylene, attempts have been made to find safer alternatives. In the present study, we considered honey as better alternative for formalin and olive oil as safer substitute for xylene. Aims: The aim of this study was to know whether honey could be a possible substitute for formalin and olive oil could be a possible substitute for xylene. Materials and Methods: Thirty routine biopsy tissues of 1–2 cm were taken. The study group was divided into Group A and Group B. Group A were subjected to normal processing. Group B were fixed into honey for 24 h after which it was taken through routine processing, and then immersed in olive oil instead of xylene. All the sections will be stained with routine hematoxylin and eosin staining. Compare the sections of both the methods. Results and Conclusion: The preservation of tissue by honey giving superior result when compared to that of formalin. Olive oil was found to be effective clearing agent compared to xylene.

Keywords

• Eosin
• hematoxylin
• honey
• olive oil