From: Ryuji Suzuki (rs@silvergrain.org)
Date: 09/09/03-07:06:48 PM Z
From: Kate Mahoney <kateb@paradise.net.nz>
Subject: Re: Gum Woes
Date: Tue, 09 Sep 2003 23:15:11 +1200
> I also added formaldehyde as a substitute for glutaraldehyde - i
> can't get this without major hassles
Glutaraldehyde is supposedly the active ingredient of emulsion
hardener sold by MACO.
What I use is a product called MaxiCide, which is a 2.5%
glutaraldehyde solution with pH adjusted to be rather acidic to
prevent polymerization. It also contains anti-corrosion agent like
sodium nitrate. This comes with an "activator" but there is no need to
use it for gelatin hardening purpose. What it does is to bring the pH
up to near 8 where the bactericidal and sporecidal effect is maximum.
This is a very common sterilization solution in medical field,
especially for devices like laryngoscope or endoscope that cannot be
autoclaved.
I use MaxiCide in a ratio like 1:200 (the 200 being gelatin or
emulsion) so a small bottle goes a long way.
Formaldehyde is supposed to work also, but it is a strong irritant and
more hazardous. Formaldehyde is also used for sterilization but they
are usually mixed with methanol to prevent polymerization. Either way,
I'd minimize the use of nasty chemicals to the absolute minimum.
> I kind of like the idea of restoring natural fats to skin and
> bristles - at this time of the year (early spring) I feel this could
> be an alternative beauty treatment :)
The best way to keep your skin nice is to minimize contact with water
(or any solution). Use gloves...
-- Ryuji Suzuki "Reality has always had too many heads." (Bob Dylan, Cold Irons Bound, 1997)
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