Project description
A safer alternative to formaldehyde for histopathology
Microscopic examination of human tissues is a standard technique employed for disease diagnosis. To preserve the architecture and molecular profile of human tissue biopsy samples, histopathology labs around the world employ formalin, a formaldehyde-based solution, as a fixative. However, formaldehyde is classified as a class 1B carcinogen, putting healthcare workers around the world at daily risk. The EU-funded EARTH project has created Fixocare®, a fixative formulation made from natural products, as a safe alternative to formaldehyde. Apart from reducing both inhalation and skin irritation risk, Fixocare® is safer to dispose of and doesn’t lead to environmental contamination.
Objective
Environmentally friendly Alternative to Revolutionise the use of formaldehyde in The Histopathology (human tissue) fixative market.
The present: The microscopic examination of tissue in order to study the manifestations of disease is the science known as histopathology. Human tissue biopsy samples are taken every day in hospitals around the world and ‘fixed’ in a formaldehyde solution fixative, known as Formalin.
The problem: Healthcare workers globally are exposed to formaldehyde for 8 hours a day on a daily basis. Formaldehyde is classified as a hazardous substance.1. Daily, formaldehyde is first used in the operation theatres for preservation of tissue/biopsy tissue samples, which are then transported to the analytical laboratories, where, the second use of formaldehyde in the tissue fixation for microscopic examination occurs.
Personnel exposure and the subsequent waste disposal are major issues. The European Chemicals Agency has classified Formaldehyde as a Class 1b carcinogen: EC number: 200-001-8 CAS number: 50-00-02. Formaldehyde use is regulated by the Carcinogens Directive in EU workplaces, exposure levels have been reduced from 4ppm to 0.4ppm over an 8h period and 2ppm to 0.2ppm for a 15min period3, the rationale behind this proposal is for alternatives to formaldehyde to be found.
T
he business opportunity: Serosep Ltd., a SME presents Fixocare®, a fixative formulation made from natural products as a solution, which it plans to introduce to the histopathology community as a safe alternative to formaldehyde solutions.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
SME-1 - SME instrument phase 1Coordinator
V94FF83 ANNACOTTY LIMERICK
Ireland
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.