Microwave Polymerization of Embedding Resins for Biological/Biomedical Elecron Microscopy

ABSTRACTThe use of microwave energies for polymerization of epoxy and other commercially available resins, used routinely in electron microscopy methodologies, shows promise for diagnostic pathology where rapid methods can be crucial. Many desirable embedment properties, such as specimen infiltration, color, hardness, rough trimming, and ability to stain, are necesssary. The properties necessary for cutting 1 micron semithin sections and 700 Angstrom ultrathin sections (that can withstand pentration by a 100 kV electron beam for image formation) must be maintained.In this study, six epoxy resins and one unsaturated polyester resin were used, the latter in a variety of recipes. Each formulation was subjected to microwave power levels from 400 to 700 W for 1 to 15 minutes. Selected specimen embedments tested well and significantly reduced traditional convection oven polymerization time from two days to a few minutes.