There are countless ways in which wax is used in everyday life – many of which you will know about, but some you may not be so familiar with.
We’ve all seen wax candles, wax sheets for food prep and storage, and wax-based skincare and beauty products. But do you know what separates different types of wax and how to determine which wax style is suitable for which application?
In this article, we’re looking at the use of paraffin wax specifically, identifying its common uses – and why it’s the preferred wax for histology. First, a quick dive into the meaning of the word ‘histology’.
What is Histology?
It’s time to get a bit scientific. Histology is the branch of biology that looks at the biological construction of tissues. It looks at how tissues are formed using cells as building blocks, and studies the impact of various diseases on the way cells are connected and linked.
Histology is performed under a microscope to enable a thorough understanding of the breakdown of tissues and how they are built. And what better way to enable this than with a manageable histowax substance.
Common Uses for Paraffin Wax and Its Use in Histology
With histology, such a sophisticated branch of biology, finding the link between this and paraffin wax can be challenging.
That is, until you look at paraffin wax not as a standalone ingredient or material for creating a new product, but rather as a carrier agent which facilitates the separation of a tissue specimen into thin slices suitable for microscopic inspection.
Look at it this way. If you’ve ever used a microscope before, you will know you need very thin slides which can be placed under the lens and studied. By mixing the specimen with a carrier agent in liquid form, which then solidifies and can be sliced into extremely thin pieces for microscopic study, even the most delicate of samples becomes workable in a lab setting.
And paraffin wax acts as the perfect vessel to make this possible. A material that is commonly used in cosmetic and beauty products, candles, and animal care products, it is colourless and has a low melting temperature. It is also an ideal substance for waterproofing clothes; it can be used to coat sweets and is a versatile tool in polishing various materials. These attributes make it suitable for domestic uses as well as its scientific uses, with histologists citing further benefits of histology wax, which include structural support and the long-term preservation of samples for continued study.
Accessing High Quality Paraffin Wax
Histologist or not, paraffin wax is a convenient and practical material which spans a range of uses.
At Poth Hille, we offer bulk batches of paraffin wax for a wide range of applications and uses, supporting both large operations and companies, and smaller boutique brands and startups.
To find out more about accessing and purchasing high-quality paraffin wax in varying quantities, get in touch with us directly.