Final answer:
Among the listed agents, ethanol is acceptable for disinfection of musculoskeletal grafts according to the AATB, due to its capability to denature proteins and disrupt cellular membranes, making it an effective antiseptic.
Step-by-step explanation:
The American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB) specifies which agents are acceptable for the disinfection of musculoskeletal grafts. Among the listed options: formaldehyde, ethanol, mercurials, and chloroform, ethanol is the agent that is acceptable for this purpose. Ethanol is a commonly used antiseptic that acts by denaturing proteins and disrupting cellular membranes. In contrast, formaldehyde, while a potent alkylating agent and biocide that is used for tissue preservation and embalming, is also carcinogenic and irritating to living tissues, making it unsuitable as an antiseptic. Mercurials and chloroform are also not considered suitable for the disinfection of musculoskeletal grafts due to their toxic effects.