Microwave technology accelerates the sample processing time from fixation to resin infiltration. For example, aldehyde fixation of plant tissues can take up to several hours because cell walls prevent the chemicals from penetrating and diffusing into cells quickly. Using a microwave system, the fixation process can be accomplished in 12 minutes.
The microwave system is routinely used in the BIF for processing the biological tissues.
Equipment:
PELCO 344l Laboratory Microwave System