• More microwave accessories in Tools section
• Vacuum Microwave Processing. A protocol for electron microscopy User Note
• Microwave Histology Processing Protocol User Note
• Book by Giberson/Demaree: Microwave Techniques and Protocols
• PELCO HistoWave® - User Notes

We cannot sell microwave ovens into North America.

BioWave FAQs

• How do I achieve wattages below 250W?
• What is the function of the temperature probe?
• Do I need a water load?
• How do I maintain ColdSpot temperature?
• What's the best sample holder to use?

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The PELCO BioWave® Pro is the most advanced laboratory microwave oven available. A choice of five different application kits offers unprecedented flexibility. We are proud to present this versatile laboratory microwave system.

Tissue processing for electron microscopy and light microscopy

A revolution in tissue processing is unfolding due to improved microwave technology and protocol development from Ted Pella, Inc. Conventional processing times are reduced by up to 95% (see Table at bottom of User note) and specimen results are uniformly excellent when their current protocols are used with the PELCO® Microwave System (References). The PELCO® Microwave Tissue Processing Systems permit precision temperature control and monitoring of sample conditions. They are pioneering the development of new protocols for this technology for electron microscopy and histology. Reasons to use PELCO microwave technology.

Features

Microwave Transparent and Chemically Resistant Vacuum Chamber:
Greatly facilitates small sample fixation and reduces resin and paraffin infiltration times in the microwave.

True Variable Wattage:
Magnetron output can be selected from six different power/wattage levels, calibrated in 100W increments from 250 to 750W. This feature should not be confused with partial or intermittent power levels which are described as % power (full power for a percentage of the time, i.e. 20% power for an 800W microwave is 800W for 12 sec./min.).

Temperature Restrictive Temperature Probe:
The temperature probe is accurate to +/- 1 degree C. A PTFE coated probe is available for special stains and decalcification. Maximum temperature can be preset prior to runs ensuring that protocol parameters are not exceeded. This is especially important during fixation, decalcification and special stain applications.

Adjustable Temperature Water Recirculation System:
The temperature of the water load(s) can be maintained at a constant temperature (about 10 degrees C above ambient) for any time period. This ensures a uniform microwave cavity environment during long periods of irradiation. This aspect is critical for temperature control during decalcification, dehydration, fixation and special stains.

Automatic Magnetron Prewarming:
The magnetron filament is automatically preheated prior to every run to ensure that 100% of the power selected is delivered for 100% of the time chosen.

Programmable Key Pads:
When programmed, the 10 numbered key pads provide "one touch" operation of the system. This eliminates the need to use the time entry, numeric and start keys to begin a microwave run.

Other Features:
Digital timing (accurate to the second); intermittent power settings (0%, 20%, 50%, 70%); RS232 port and cable for PC attachment with software for temperature and time monitoring.

The Development of the Features listed above has been the Precursor to the Development of easy to use Microwave Protocols for:

• rapid formalin fixation of tissue (<1.25 hours for tissues <5mm thick)
• rapid decalcification of bone in either acids or salts (from 2x to >10x times savings)
• rapid colour development in special stain applications (one step development)
• rapid processing of tissue into paraffin blocks (biopsies <45 min.; 2mm thick samples in 2 hours)
• improved immunolabelling results (due to rapid processing and microwave fixation)
• rapid processing of needle biopsies (fresh tissue to stained slide in under 2 hours)
• rapid processing of tissue for electron microscopy (fresh tissue to sectioning in under 2 hours)

Each of the protocols listed above relies on a different combination of variables (i.e. power level, temperature restriction, constant microwave environment, time) which, through PELCO research and that of others, has been demonstrated to be necessary for the successful use of microwave technology on a routine basis. Microwave technology in your laboratory offers a multi-functional piece of equipment that will improve productivity, reduce turnaround times, maintain quality and keep you competitive.

PELCO BIOWAVE® PRO LABORATORY MICROWAVE SYSTEM
New model - available from January 2007.
Introducing the PELCO BioWave® Pro. 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.

The PELCO BioWave® Pro comes with:
Pelgraph temperature monitoring software, temperature probe and stand, exhaust connectors and tubing, 2 quick-disconnect fittings, manual, safety instructions, warranty card.

Five Application kits deliver excellent results from microwave to microscope:

• EM tissue processing
• Immunolabelling
• Formaldehyde fixation and EDTA decalcification
• Paraffin tissue processing
• Confocal microscopy and in situ hybridisation

EM tissue processing kit includes:
PELCO ColdSpot®, microwave vacuum chamber, PELCO Prep-Eze™ 6 and 12-well kit, microwave microcentrifuge tube holder, microwave polymerisation tray, bubbler probe.

Immunolabelling kit includes:
PELCO ColdSpot®, microwave vacuum chamber, 12 and 24-wellplate inserts, Sequenza™ slide rack, coverplate assemblies, bubbler probe.

Formaldehyde fixation and EDTA decalcification kit includes:
PELCO SteadyTemp™, DFR insert with PTFE cassette rack, vapour trap.

Paraffin tissue processing kit includes:
PELCO ColdSpot®, PELCO TissueVac®, bubbler probe, PELCO HistoWave® cassette system, paraffin heating tile.

Confocal microscopy and in situ hybridisation kit 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.
Unrivalled application flexibility
The PELCO BioWave® Pro can be easily optimised 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.

Features:

• Self-calibrated wattage control
• Fully selectable continuous power levels from 90-750 watts
• Safety exhaust vent
• Attaches to any PC with Windows
• Touch screen with modifiable presets
• Air bubbler
• Precision sample temperature control
• Enhanced protocol management

PELCO BioWave® Pro System Specifications

Microwave power range	Continuous power settings from 90-750 Watts
Microwave frequency	2.45 GHz
Microwave power control	Programmable controller with 10 modifiable presets
Function control	152mm 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	508mm Hg, 3 selectable modes
Air bubbler	Up to 0.8L/min with 64mm column of water pressure
Protocol management	Protocols can be stored, using a total of 200 steps
Certification	UL/CE
Dimensions	55.3 W x 51.4 D x 54.6 H cm
Weight	37.7kg
Power required	16A/230VAC

E36500-230 PELCO BioWave® Pro microwave system, 230V AC ask stock?
E36500-10 EM tissue processing kit ask stock?
E36500-20 Immunolabelling kit ask stock?
E36500-30 Formaldehyde fixation and EDTA decalcification kit ask stock?
E36500-40 Paraffin tissue processing kit ask stock?
E36500-50 Confocal microscopy and in situ hybridisation kit ask stock?

PELCO STEADYTEMP™ RECIRCULATOR, 230V AC
The PELCO SteadyTemp™, for extended temperature control, providing continuous working temperatures from +4 to +100° C. 500 watts cooling and 800 watts heating capacity. The PELCO BioWave® Pro is designed to utilize this instrument for chamber temperature modulation via the PELCO ColdSpot®. Digital set point controls and alarm. Comes equipped with anti-siphon valves, vapour seals and vapour trap. Requires a separate 16 amp circuit.
7.21L (1.9 gal) stainless bath. 27.2 kg (60 lbs)

E50051-230 PELCO SteadyTemp™ recirculator, 230V AC ask stock?

PELCO COLDSPOT®
A temperature controlled surface which will enhance most tissue processing steps. Rests on the floor of the PELCO BioWave® Pro Laboratory Tissue Processing System (built in Load Cooler) or PELCO® Microwave Systems connected to an external Load Cooler (PELCO® Load Cooler is required). May also be connected to the PELCO SteadyTemp™.
Features:

• Designed for use with 3435 PELCO® Vacuum Chamber.
• Holds cooled water which is continuously circulated between the PELCO ColdSpot® and the Load Cooler.
• Dampens the standing wave patterns generated by the closed cavity design of microwave ovens.
• Virtually eliminates hot and cold spots during processing. Simplifies the operation of microwave processing by omitting the need for any microwave calibration.
• Provides a cooled surface for the placement of various specimen carriers/containers.
• Offers speed, control and simplicity, a true revolution in microwave processing.
• Patented (US Pat# 6329645)

Dimensions:

Glass plate area	198 W x 291mm D
Overall dimensions	279 W x 368 D x 76mm H (114mm H to tallest fitting)

Technical Note

E36115 PELCO ColdSpot® AUD1,457.00 stock?

PELCO EM MICROWAVE VACUUM CHAMBER
Microwave vacuum chamber, for microscopy sample preparation chemical infiltration with reduced fixation times. Made of chemically resistant microwave transparent materials and designed for vacuums down to 50 torr.
Improves ultrastructural preservation during microwave-assisted chemical fixation and reduces fixation times by 95% when compared to conventional processing protocols. Reduces resin infiltration times by 99% compared to conventional processing and 85% when compared to established microwave protocols.
The microwave vacuum chamber is a major advancement in microwave accessories and technology. It is the next in a continuing series of innovations which are designed and tested to meet the exacting requirements of today's laboratory environment. The Microwave Vacuum Chamber saves time without compromising quality. Note: Includes all as shown in the picture except the temperature probe. Temperature probe shown for placement only.

E3435-1 Replacement vacuum chamber L gaskets
E3435-2 Replacement glass cylinder, each ask

E3435 PELCO EM microwave vacuum chamber AUD1,257.00 stock?

PELCO TISSUEVAC™, Histology Vacuum Accessory
The PELCO TissueVac™ Histology Vacuum Accessory is designed for the PELCO BioWave® Pro Microwave Processor and can be used in conjunction with the PELCO ColdSpot®. It can be used with any of the three vacuum settings on the PELCO BioWave® Pro (vacuum cycle, vacuum on W/MW, vacuum on) or without the vacuum function.
The container and lid are made from micro-wave transparent polypropylene. The integrated temperature probe allows the use of temperature restriction conrol with vacuum.
The cassette holder will hold up to 58 standard size plastic cassettes, all in the same orientation and plane. This assures that every tissue sample will see the same microwave conditions. The granite stone is used as a heat receptor during paraffin infiltration.

The PELCO TissueVac™ System consists of the following components, which are also available individually:

• Processing container (E36160-1)
• Lid assembly (E36160-2)
• Cassette holder (PTFE) for 58 cassettes (E36160-3)
• Granite stone (E36160-4)
• PTFE coated temperature probe (E36160-5)
• L-gasket (E36160-6)
• Nylon strap (E36160-7)
• Operation manual

E36160 PELCO TissueVac™ AUD1,961.00 stock?

PELCO HistoWave® cassette system
The PELCO HistoWave® cassette system consists of a seamless, thick-walled cassette tank and a cassette rack which are also available individually. The design provides for ease of loading, unloading and fluid exchange during processing. The system will hold 26 standard-sized plastic cassettes or 22 standard and 2 over-sized cassettes. There is a hole in the handle for the temperature probe. The amount of reagent needed to cover 1 or 26 cassettes is approximately 500mL. Tank volume 940mL. It is easiest to add solutions when the system is assembled. The system is made of microwave-compatible and solvent-resistant plastics.

Note: The PELCO HistoWave® cassette system may also be used in the PELCO TissueVac™ vacuum chamber, E36160, which is an accessory for the PELCO® Microwave Tissue Processing Systems.
The 36150 will NOT fit into the E3435 PELCO EM microwave vacuum chamber.

Cassette Rack shown assembled and loaded, note the two over-sized (white) cassettes being accommodated in the center of the rack.

E36150 PELCO HistoWave® cassette system AUD810.00 stock?
E36151 PELCO HistoWave® cassette tank AUD410.00 stock?
E36151-1 PELCO HistoWave® cassette rack AUD548.00 stock?

DFR INSERT WITH PTFE CASSETTE RACK
Designed for use in the PELCO BioWave® Pro for fixation or decalcification. Water, formaldehyde or EDTA can be recirculated around the cassette holder in the inner container. The outer container holds any spills and prevents damage to the microwave chamber. Cassette holder is designed for easy loading and will hold 58 standard sized cassettes.
The red hose is for fluid in, fitted with a nylon screen to limit direct flow, the white hose is for fluid out. A port in the lid allows insertion of the temperature probe. A granite disc included with the unit can be used to collect and retain heat for paraffin processing.

Dimensions:
Cassette Holder: 79.4mm H (with handle) x 175mm dia.
Inner Container (inside dimensions): 95.3mm H x 195mm
Outer Container (inside dimensions): 69.9mm H x 343mm

E36200 DFR insert with PTFE cassette rack ask stock?