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PELCO® BioWave® Pro

The Sophisticated Choice for Microwave Tissue Processing

A revolution in tissue processing is available due to improved microwave technology and protocol development from Ted Pella, Inc. Conventional processing times are reduced by up to 95% (see table 1) and specimen results are uniformly excellent when our current protocols are used with the PELCO® BioWave® Pro Microwave System (see References). The PELCO® BioWave® Pro permits precision temperature control and monitoring of sample conditions. We continue pioneering the development of new protocols for this technology for electron microscopy and histology. Reasons to use our microwave technology.

PELCO BioWave® Pro Microwave Processor
PELCO® BioWave® Pro

The Proven Choice for Microwave Tissue Processing, Immunolabeling and the Rapid Decalcification of Teeth and Bone

Our research and development goals have always been to better understand how microwave radiation interacts with different chemicals and influences different processing protocols. Our goal has always been to improve the technology and accessories to obtain consistent top quality processing results. This approach has been successful in achieving improved microwave technology and accessories over the last 15 years (see Development History). The most productive benefit to the end user has been a significant reduction in turnaround times (see Table 1). Harder to quantify but more important than time saved has been the consistent high quality results obtained with the technology (see Results).

Microwave tissue processing technology, pioneered by Ted Pella, Inc. over the last decade, has evolved into the new BioWave® Pro system, offering a superior level of control and ease of operation. True variable wattage control and the unique PELCO® ColdSpot® are now complemented by an intuitive and intelligent touch screen control panel. The unprecedented level of precise and extensive control delivers consistent quality tissue processing results. Protocol programming and development is right at your fingertips and offers true ease of operation. Remote access allows protocol monitoring from your desk and has improved serviceability of the unit to a new standard. With the BioWave® Pro, superior results from microwave to microscope have never been easier.
Microwave Tissue Processing Techniques: Their Evolution and Understanding. Microscopy and Analysis 20(6):23-24 (UK), 2006


Prod #DescriptionUnitPriceOrder / Quote
36500
PELCO® BioWave® Pro Standard System)
each
P.O.R.
Qty:
includes: Pelgraph Temperature Monitoring Software, Temperature Probe and Stand, Exhaust Connectors and Tubing, 2 Quick-Disconnect Fittings, Manual, Safety Instructions, Warranty Card

Table 1: Time savings over conventional methods, and links to results.

Protocol Essential MW Technology/Accessories Protocol Design Results & References Time savings versus Conventional
Electron Microscopy
  1. Vacuum
  2. Variable Wattage
  3. ColdSpot®
  1. Vacuum to improve fixation and reduce resin infiltration times
  2. Low wattage to minimize sample heating
  3. ColdSpot® to create a uniform MW environment
 Figures 1-3
References: 1-8 		MW Processing Time
Fixation to Polymerization ± 2 hours. Time Savings over conventional methods: >90%
Formaldehyde Fixation for Histology/Pathology
  1. SteadyTemp®
  2. Variable Wattage
  1. Maintain fixative temperature and continuous power output
  2. Necessary to protocol success
 Figures 4 and 5
References: 9-11		 MW Fixation 20 min. to 1 hour. Time Savings over excepted fixation times: >90%
Paraffin Processing
  1. SteadyTemp®
  2. Variable Wattage
  3. ColdSpot®
  1. To provide enhanced reagent temperature control
  2. Necessary to processing success
  3. ColdSpot® to create a uniform MW environment
 Figures 4 and 5
References: 9-11		 MW Processing Time 40-70 min. Time savings over conventional methods: 80 to 90%
Immunolabeling
  1. Vacuum
  2. Variable Wattage
  3. ColdSpot®
  4. SteadyTemp®
  1. Vacuum to improve probe penetration and reduce labeling times
  2. Low wattage to minimize sample heating
  3. ColdSpot® to create a uniform MW environment
  4. To provide enhanced reagent temperature control
 Figures 6 and 7
References: 12 and 13		 MW Processing Time 40 min. to 120 min. Time savings over Conventional methods: >90%
Decalcification
  1. SteadyTemp®
  2. Variable Wattage
  1. To control processing temperature and continuous power output
  2. Necessary to protocol success
 Figures 8 and 9
References: 14 and 15		 MW Processing Time hours to days. Time savings over Conventional methods: Hours, days or weeks
  1. Galvez, J.J., Adamson, G., Sanders, M.A., Giberson, R.T. (2006) Microwave tissue processing techniques: their evolution and understanding. Microscopy and Analysis 20:23-24.
  2. Gerrity, RG, Forbes, GW (2003) Microwave processing in diagnostic electron microscopy. Microsc. Today, 11(6):38-41.
  3. Gerrity RG, Forbes GW (2002) Microwave processing in diagnostic electron microscopy. Microsc Microanal 8(Suppl 2):152-153.
  4. Giberson, RT., Austin, RL, Charlesworth, J., Adamson, G., Herrera, G.A. (2003) Microwave and digital imaging technology reduce turnaround times for diagnostic electron microscopy. Ultrastruct. Pathol. 27:187-196.
  5. Wendt KD, Jensen CA, Tindall R, Katz ML (2004) Comparison of conventional and microwave-assisted processing of mouse retinas for transmission electron microscopy. J Microsc 214:80-88.
  6. Austin, RL (2002) The use of microwave technology in a clinical EM laboratory. Microsc Microanal 8(Suppl 2):154-155.
  7. Nordhausen RW, Barr BC, Hedrick RP (2002) Microwave-assisted rapid tissue processing for disease diagnosis in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory. Microsc Microanal 8(Suppl 2):150-151.
  8. Nordhausen RW, Barr BC (2001) Specimen preparation for this-section electron microscopy utilizing microwave-assisted rapid processing in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory. In Giberson RT, Demaree RSJr, eds. Microwave Techniques and Protocols, Totowa, NJ, Humana Press, 49-66.
  9. Giberson, RT., Elliott, DE (2001) Microwave-assisted formalin fixation of fresh tissue: A comparative study. In Giberson R.T., Demaree R.S.Jr., eds. Microwave Techniques and Protocols, Totowa, NJ, Humana Press, pp191-208.
  10. Galvez, JJ., Giberson, RT, Cardiff, RD (2006) The role of microwave radiation in reducing formaldehyde fixation times. The J. Histotechnol. 29:113-121.
  11. Galvez, JJ, Giberson, RT, Cardiff, RD (2004) Microwave mechanisms – the energy/heat dichotomy. Microsc. Today, 12(2):18-23.
  12. Munoz, TE, Giberson, RT, Demaree, R, Day JR (2004) Microwave-assisted immunostaining: a new approach yields fast and consistent results. J. Neurosci. Methods, 137:133-139.
  13. Sanders, M.A., Gartner, D.M. (2001) In vivo microwave-assisted labeling of Allium and Drosophila nuclei. In Giberson R.T., Demaree R.S.Jr., eds. Microwave Techniques and Protocols, Totowa, NJ, Humana Press, pp155-164.
  14. Madden, V.J., Henson, M.M. (1997) Rapid decalcification of temporal bones with preservation of ultrastructure. Hearing Research, 111;76-84.
  15. Tinling, S.P. Giberson, R.T., Kullar, R.S. (2004) Microwave exposure increases bone demineralization rate independent of temperature. J. Microsc., 215:230-235.
Temperature Control Microwave Tissue Processor

With Application Kits available that deliver superior results from microwave to microscope for:

  Electron Microscopy Tissue Processing
  Immunolabeling
  Formaldehyde Fixation and EDTA Decalcification
  Paraffin Tissue Processing
  Confocal Microscopy and In Situ Hybridization
(See color-coded tables below)
PELCO BioWave® Pro with the PELCO ColdSpot®
placed in chamber

Application Kits provide custom configuration for your exact needs:

         
EM Tissue Processing
Protocol 1
Immunolabeling
Protocol 2
Formaldehyde Fixation
and EDTA Decalcification
Paraffin Tissue Processing
Confocal Microscopy and
In Situ Hybridization
Protocol 2
PELCO ColdSpot® Pro
(36116-10)		 PELCO ColdSpot® Pro
(36116-10)
---
 PELCO ColdSpot® Plus
(36116-20)		 PELCO ColdSpot® Pro
(36116-10)
Microwave Vacuum Chamber (3435) Microwave Vacuum Chamber
(3435)		 --- --- Microwave Vacuum Chamber
(3435)
--- --- PELCO SteadyTemp® Digital Plus
(50061)		 --- PELCO SteadyTemp® Digital Plus
(50061)
--- --- --- PELCO TissueVac®
(36160)		 ---
--- 12 & 24-Wellplate Inserts (36170 & 36172) --- --- 12 & 24-Wellplate Inserts (36170 & 36172)
PELCO Prep-Eze®
6 & 12-Well Kits
(36157 & 36158)		 --- --- --- ---
Microwave Capsule Holder
(36131)		 --- --- --- ---
Microwave Microcentrifuge
Tube Holder (36134)		 --- --- --- ---
Microwave Polymerization Tray
(36133)		 --- --- --- ---
--- Sequenza® Slide Rack
(36105) with
Coverplate® Assemblies
(36107)		 --- --- ---
Bubbler Probe (050-010) Bubbler Probe (050-010) --- Bubbler Probe (050-010) ---
--- --- DFR Insert with PTFE Cassette
Rack (36200)		 --- ---
--- --- Vapor Trap (50050-10) --- ---
--- --- --- PELCO® HistoWave
Cassette System (36150)		 ---
--- --- --- Paraffin Heating Tile (36150-1) ---

Application Kit Ordering Information

Prod #DescriptionUnitPriceOrder / Quote
36500-10
EM Tissue Processing Application Kit
each
$1,795.00
Qty:
includes: PELCO® ColdSpot®, Microwave Vacuum Chamber, PELCO® Prep-Eze® 6 and 12-Well Kit, Microwave Microcentrifuge Tube Holder, Microwave Polymerization Tray, Bubbler Probe

Prod #DescriptionUnitPriceOrder / Quote
36500-20
Immunolabeling Application Kit
each
$2,250.00
Qty:
includes: PELCO® ColdSpot, Microwave Vacuum Chamber, 12 and 24-Wellplate Inserts, Sequenza® Slide Rack, Coverplate® Assemblies, Bubbler Probe

Prod #DescriptionUnitPriceOrder / Quote
36500-30
Formaldehyde Fixation and EDTA Decalcification Application Kit
each
P.O.R.
Qty:
includes: PELCO® SteadyTemp®, DFR Insert with PTFE Cassette Rack, Vapor Trap

Prod #DescriptionUnitPriceOrder / Quote
36500-40
Paraffin Tissue Processing Application Kit
each
$2,050.00
Qty:
includes: PELCO® ColdSpot®, Bubbler Probe, PELCO® HistoWave® Cassette System, Paraffin Heating Tile

Prod #DescriptionUnitPriceOrder / Quote
36500-50
Confocal Microscopy and In Situ Hybridization Application Kit
each
P.O.R.
Qty:
includes: PELCO® ColdSpot®, Microwave Vacuum Chamber, PELCO® SteadyTemp®, 12 and 24-Wellplate Inserts

Benefits of the PELCO® BioWave® Pro system

Superior Microwave Processing Control
The combination of true power and temperature control has resulted in superior control of the microwave environment giving superior results. The power setting is now fully selectable from 90 - 750 Watts.
Unrivaled Application Flexibility
The PELCO® BioWave® Pro can be easily optimized for specific needs like EM tissue processing, immunolabeling, decalcification, fixation, etc., with a range of available application kits.
Enhanced Protocol Management
Pre-programmed protocols are supplied with the system, a full set of tools for editing, programming and copying enables creating and storing of specific protocols.
True Ease of Operation
Touch screen operation facilitates straightforward and intuitive operation of the PELCO® BioWave® Pro while current settings are directly visible.
Consistent Quality Results
By taking extensive control of all microwave environment parameters, consistent and high quality results are readily achieved.
Precision Sample Temperature Control
The PELCO® ColdSpot® unit combined with a choice of cooling systems takes away the heating factor, therefore taking full advantage of the microwave effect.
State of the art Temperature Probe
To monitor and/or maintain preset temperature maximums during microwave processing. The Temperature Probe is accurate to ±1°C (from 0°C to 100°C) and will maintain ±1°C in water and most fixative solutions.

Safe System

The microwave cavity is continuously vented with a 110CFM capacity to guard against fume buildup. The unit is fully compliant with US safety requirements for laboratory equipment and is ETL and CE certified.

PELCO® ColdSpot® Technology

The unique and proprietary PELCO® ColdSpot® technology for the PELCO® BioWave® Pro has been developed specifically to:

  • reduce energy density differences in the microwave cavity
  • absorb reflected energy within the microwave cavity
  • remove heat (in conjunction with the integrated load cooler or optional PELCO® SteadyTemp® system)
  • reduce sample heating rates to enable increased microwave processing times

The PELCO® ColdSpot® enables excellent control of the microwave environment and is a critical component in delivering high quality and consistent tissue processing results.

Decalcification and Fixation Processing
Conventional methods for Decalcification with EDTA and formaldehyde Fixation (DFR-Insert) requires considerable time to complete. Using the new PELCO® BioWave® Pro with PELCO® SteadyTemp® will reduce turnaround times for these processing by a factor of 10-20. It is the first microwave processing system to uncouple microwave heating form microwave energy. The combination of technologies enables to maintain a constant set processing temperature in combination with continuous exposure.
PELCO SteadyTemp™ used with the PELCO BioWave® Pro Microwave Processor Continuous heat removal during microwave exposure ensures a constant temperature environment (∆T=0°C) during processing. This environment can be maintained for minutes, hours, days or weeks.
PELCO® BioWave® Pro System Specifications
Microwave power range Continuous power settings from 100-750 Watts
Microwave frequency 2.45 Ghz
Microwave power control Programmable controller with 10 modifiable presets
Function control 6" Touch screen user interface
Temperature control ± 1°C for most aqueous solutions
Cooling internal Integrated ambient water cooling system
Cooling external (optional) PELCO® SteadyTemp®: 450W chilled cooling system
Magnetic stirrer Integrated, 0-300rpm speed
Exhaust 110cfm capacity
Venting Automatic when door is opened
Vacuum system 20" Hg, 3 selectable modes
Air bubbler Up to 0.8ltr/min with 2.5" column of water pressure
Protocol management Protocols can be stored, using a total of 200 steps
Certification ETL/CE
Dimensions 55.3 W x 51.4 D x 54.6 H cm (21.75" x 20.25" x 21.5")
Weight 37.7kg (83 lbs)
Power required 15A/115VAC

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Page Last Updated: May 8, 2008

PELCO, PELCO BioWave and PELCO ColdSpot are registered trademarks
and SteadyTemp and PELCO Prep-Eze are trademarks of Ted Pella, Inc.