Microwave-assisted processing of biological samples began with Mayers. Subsequently, many investigators reported using microwave ovens for various aspects of biological sample processing for light microscopy (LM) and/or transmission electron microscopy (TEM.) The use of ice-encased fixation and water-immersion resin polymerization marked the beginning of rapid, reproducible microwave-assisted processing techniques.
Mcrowave protocols are now often used for LM and TEM processing. Examples include paraffin embedding for LM, in situ hybridization, decalcification, immunological staining plus clinical studies and research projects for TEM.
Recently my lab has begun to microwave process biological samples for scanning electron microscopy (SEM.). We fix, dehydrate and dry with hexamethyldisilazane in less than 1 ½ hours. The only part of the process not utilizing microwave assist is the final 15 minute drying step in a conventional oven.