“ZF (Zero Formalin)” Innovation from Chulalongkorn University Wins International Award, Revolutionizes Safe Animal Anatomy Education without Formalin 

The “ZF (Zero Formalin)” preservative solution, developed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kongkiat Srisuwattanasakul, from the Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, won the Silver Medal at the 50^th Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions 2025, as well as the NRCT Special Award for the Excellent Invention from the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT). This teaching innovation is unique in its complete elimination of formalin use, helping enhance safety for veterinary students, elevate the quality of anatomical education to be closer to reality, and address health and sustainability concerns. 

The “ZF (Zero Formalin)” animal specimen preservation solution was born out of concern for the health of veterinary students who must learn through dissecting real animal specimens. In the past, formalin was necessary for preserving animal specimens for teaching and learning purposes. Although effective in maintaining tissue condition, formalin is a hazardous substance that causes irritation and has long-term effects on the respiratory system, with risks of developing other diseases over time. This led to the research and development of a safer alternative solution by creating a formula without formalin components, under the name “ZF (Zero Formalin).” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kongkiat Srisuwattanasakul, head of the research team, explained the concept behind developing a non-formalin animal specimen preservation solution as arising from concerns for the health of students who must learn about anatomy from real animal specimens. Although formalin, which has been traditionally used as the primary preservative solution, is effective at preserving animal specimens, it causes severe side effects such as irritation and various health risks. To ensure students can learn in a safe environment with specimens that are as close to real animal conditions as possible, the team developed “ZF (Zero Formalin),” an innovation in animal anatomy education aimed at reducing the use of toxic substances in classrooms. The main components are alcohol combined with safe moisturizing agents and high-safety disinfectants, free from harmful substances commonly used in other preservative formulas such as phenol or formaldehyde compounds. Animal tissue samples treated with “ZF (Zero Formalin)” solution maintain excellent flexibility in joints, muscles, and various tissues, making it ideal for anatomy learning or surgical practice at a level very close to real animals. 

The head of the research team also enumerated the key advantages of the “ZF (Zero Formalin)” solution saying that it helps reduce specimen rigidity, which was the main problem with using formalin in the past, as it prevented joints and tissues from moving or closely resembling real animal conditions effectively. Additionally, the “ZF (Zero Formalin)” solution lowers problems with strong odors and irritation to the eyes and respiratory system, which are important factors affecting students’ health during classroom learning. 

“The ‘ZF (Zero Formalin)’ has been implemented in Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Veterinary Science starting from the 2024 academic year, both in regular semesters and short-term training programs. It has been used with various animals including dogs, cats, goats, sheep, and even horses, yielding satisfactory results in terms of realism, safety, and responsiveness to hands-on teaching and learning. Furthermore, indoor air quality testing has been conducted in classrooms, with research results confirming safety for learners at a level that allows the use of air-conditioned classrooms without the need to open windows for ventilation, as was required in the past,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kongkiat added.

However, the success of this innovation did not stop within Thailand alone. The research team entered the “ZF (Zero Formalin)” innovation in the 50th Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions 2025 in Switzerland, which is the largest innovation competition in Europe with participants from over 1,000 works worldwide, and received the Silver Medal. It additionally won the special NRCT Special Award for the Excellent Invention from the National Research Council of Thailand for its outstanding academic value, addressing learner health concerns, and potential for real-world application.

Currently, the Faculty of Veterinary Science has expanded the use of the “ZF (Zero Formalin)” animal specimen preservation solution to other educational institutions through technique transfer and free distribution of the solution in the initial phase to support the transition to formalin-free classrooms, while also planning commercial development in the future. Several institutions have begun showing interest in using the solution as an alternative to reduce formalin use in veterinary anatomy teaching. There will be ongoing development of the solution formula to suit specific applications for each type of use, with the hope of effectively reducing formalin use at the national level and creating concrete, sustainable results in the long term. 

The “ZF (Zero Formalin)” animal specimen preservation solution is therefore an innovation that addresses the usage and learning needs of veterinary students. It also serves as an example of the driving force that aligns with Chulalongkorn University’s policy emphasizing health and sustainability as the university works toward SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, and SDG 4: Quality Education,” remarked Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kongkiat.  

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