What Are Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded Tissues?

FFPE tissues are tissue samples that have experienced processing for paraffin embedding. This process of paraffinization takes the tissue from an aqueous to an organic state, readying it for long-term storage while preserving its cellular structure. FFPE are thus ideal samples for studies requiring historical biodata.

FFPE tissues have a variety of uses due to their different features. Our tissues are mainly used by scientists as controls in comparison studies. For example, if you are studying liver cancer, you need a particular control that has certain markers and genes to balance your intervention or variables of interest. 

Customers can use our FFPE tissues as either positive or negative controls. BioChain offers a range of characterized FFPE tissues — that is, tissues that have been labeled and identified according to the specific gene markers they carry. If you are looking for a particular marker in your study, you can use those tissues as positive controls. If a particular gene has not been identified in a tissue, you can use it as a negative control.

Other common applications of our FFPE tissues include: 

• Immunohistochemistry — FFPE tissues are excellent for highlighting specific biomarkers. 
• Nucleic acid or protein extraction — as with frozen tissue, FFPE tissue is useful for DNA and protein extraction, with the added benefits of stable long-term storage and access to archival tissue and corresponding historical biodata.
• AI modeling — FFPE tissues are useful inputs in AI modeling for virtual comparison studies, as they can carry all of the genetic information of a particular disease (e.g. breast cancer).

BioChain carries a large inventory of human FFPE tissue dating from the 1990s to the present. In addition to human tissue, BioChain also has a sizable inventory of animal FFPE tissue (including monkey, sheep, pig, dog, rat, and mouse), and plant options as well.

Rigorous Quality Control and Standards

At BioChain, we are known for our quality tissue samples. We pride ourselves on living up to that quality for all customers. As a form of quality assurance, our in-house pathologist runs multiple quality tests on the samples and shares the H&E image of the tissue with the customer for approval before sample selection and shipping.

Furthermore, our FFPE tissues contain a wealth of intensive biodata detailing variables such as age, sex, disease status, and date collected. In some cases, comorbidities such as BMI or smoking status are also attached to the tissue.

Storage for Paraffin-Embedded Tissues

BioChain has a large archive of FFPE samples with historical biodata available for use. We also do daily procurement from high-quality and reliable vendors across the globe; in addition to our archive of historical tissue data, we also always have new, freshly procured samples available. Because of FFPE tissues’ stability at room temperature, the cost of shipping is significantly reduced for customers. Furthermore, there is no fear of losing samples in the unlikely event that a shipment is delayed.