Enzyme method for Re: [Histonet] Soft tissue digestion

[Gayle Callis]

I used to digest soft tissue off skulls, long bones for museum teaching 
pieces using an enzyme detergent.  Make up 10 to 20% BIZ detergent in 
water, heat to 80C in waterbath, and put bones, whatever in this for 
several hours.  It will even remove fixed tissue (if you rinse it well with 
water before hand as NBF could inactivate the enzyme a bit.  Do NOT boil. 
Rinse well with water afterwards, and soft tissue will release from bone, 
whatever.  Beware, it will eat cartilage off bones. You can repeat until 
the implant is clean.  Try to manipulate soft tissues off with gloved 
hands, or soft brushes.  Best part of all this, is isn't smelly, and bones 
come out perfectly clean and white.

I have a reference for this from J Microscopy, many moons ago.

At 11:04 AM 9/28/2005, you wrote:
>Has anyone had experience with digesting soft tissue away from an
>implant? I need to completely remove the tissue from an implant. Thanks
>in advance for any suggestions.
>Lori
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Gayle Callis
Research Histopathology Supervisor
Veterinary Molecular Biology
Montana State University - Bozeman
PO Box 173610
Bozeman MT 59717-3610
406 994-6367
406 994-4303 (FAX)