I've found that the best option all round is to use ethanol, which is more
expensive than IMS (but well worth it because it allows for DNA work), with
about 1ml of glycerol added per 100ml of ethanol (to give a little more
malleability to the specimens) to aid dissection work. It's also best, if
possible, to begin with a lower concentration of the alcohol used (be it IMS
or ethanol), say 35%, then work up to at least 95% (I use 100%) for final
preservation. Remember that there will be water in the animal tissue that
will naturally dilute the alcohol you use (stepped dilutions will counteract
this to provide a good eventual concentration for storage).
Alex

-----Original Message-----
From: Conchologists List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
David Campbell
Sent: 17 March 2009 16:32
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [CONCH-L] Isopropyl Alcohol

For preserving DNA, you'll want to go with strong ethanol, minimally 75%.

Adding a little mild base (sodium bicarbonate-baking soda, calcium
carbonate-powdered limestone, etc.) would help counteract any acidity
in the preservative, but the exact results would depend on just what
has been added to it.

--
Dr. David Campbell
425 Scientific Collections
University of Alabama
"I think of my happy condition, surrounded by acres of clams"

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