Microwave techniques and protocols / edited by Richard T. Giberson and Richard S. Demaree, Jr.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Microwave technology can significantly reduce sample turnaround times, enhance quality, and reduce hazardous wastes when compared to bench or automated methods. In Microwave Techniques and Protocols, Richard Giberson and Richard Demaree, Jr., have collected a wide range of these time-saving techniques for processing biological samples for evaluation by many different microscopic methods. Described in step-by-step detail by hands-on researchers, these readily reproducible protocols include both optimized classic methods and such state-of-the art techniques as in vivo labeling, formalin fixation of fresh tissue, vacuum processing, and processing for scanning electron microscopy. Each stand-alone microwave method has been handcrafted by a researcher who regularly uses it to ensure processing success and the highest quality result. Comprehensive and time saving, Microwave Techniques and Protocols demonstrates for anyone processing biological samples for immunocytochemistry, decalcification, and light or electron microscopy that microwave technology is a critically important tool in all experimental and clinical research laboratories today.

Overview of Microwave-Assisted Tissue Processing for Transmission Electron Microscopy -- Vacuum-Assisted Microwave Processing of Animal Tissues for Electron Microscopy -- Vacuum-Microwave Combination for Processing Plant Tissues for Electron Microscopy -- Basic Procedure for Electron Microscopy Processing and Staining in Clinical Laboratory Using Microwave Oven -- Specimen Preparation for Thin-Section Electron Microscopy Utilizing Microwave-Assisted Rapid Processing in a Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory -- Microwave Processing of Archived Pathology Specimens for Ultrastructural Examination -- Microwave Fixation of Rat Hippocampal Slices -- Microwave Processing Techniques for Biological Samples in a Service Laboratory -- Microwave-Accelerated Decalcification -- Microwave Processing of Sediment Samples -- Microwave Polymerization in Thin Layers of London Resin White Allows Selection of Specimens for Immunogold Labeling -- In Vivo Microwave-Assisted Labeling of Allium and Drosophila Nuclei -- Microwave-Assisted Cytochemistry -- Microwave-Assisted Immunoelectron Microscopy of Skin -- Microwave Paraffin Techniques for Botanical Tissues -- Microwave-Assisted Formalin Fixation of Fresh Tissue -- Microwave-Assisted Processing of Biological Samples for Scanning Electron Microscopy.