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BP-111RS
Research Laboratory Microwave Tissue Processor
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Plant Anther
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Introducing the BP-111-RS research laboratory microwave tissue processors from Microwave Research and Applications, Inc. This new laboratory microwave tissue processor is designed specifically for the researchers’ and imagers’ lab. The tissue preservations from tissues processed in the BP-111-RS are completed much faster than traditional methods and with better quality. The features of these processors and their simplified operation allow the versatility needed to process plant and animal tissue with ease.
The heart of all microwave processing is the control of the microwave energy as it is the microwave energy that heats the tissues and the reagents to quickly process the tissues in a matter of minutes rather than hours or days. If the microwave energy is applied too quickly or without even distribution, the tissue samples can be ruined as they become overheated or heated preferentially.
Microwave Research and Applications, Inc has paid close attention to the application of the microwave energy in the BP-111-RS. Our True-To-Power™ power control system allows precise and repeatable power control of the microwave energy. The True-To-Power™ power control system allows an infinite number of power level settings and offers power control differently than what is found in most microwave ovens that controls the microwave power by cycling the microwave power on at full power for a period of time and off for a period of time.
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Typical microwave oven
Cycling power controls
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The ratio of power “on” time and “off” time determines the average power applied. This is a simple method of controlling power and works well for many cases. However if the samples are delicate or if only a small amount of power is needed this method will often overheat or even cook that sample causing poor tissue preservation or even damage. Microwave ovens used for heating food use this method of power control as precise power control is not needed. Because of this type of power control microwave ovens using this type of power control are generally not suited for tissue processing.
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True-To-Power™ power control
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The True-To-Power™ power control system that allows you to set virtually any power setting from 20 watts to full power without the on-off power cycling. Simply set the desired power level with a simple knob adjustment. This allows you to set the power at the exact level that will process the tissues instead of over heating or even cooking them, providing the best tissue preservation quality.
Furthermore, because of the careful design of the process cavity, the microwave energy distribution is excellent, yielding insignificant temperature differences between locations within the cavity. This further aids in high quality tissue preservations as the processing is uniform. Because of this microwave energy distribution and the True-To-Power™ power control system, most tissue processing does not need a water load or water cooling system that is required in many laboratory microwave systems. Water in the cavity reduces the efficiency, wastes time, runs the risk of contamination of the tissues and adds cost and complexity to the system not to mentions taking up valuable lab space.
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Mouse Liver
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Leaf
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Mouse Kidney
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The BP-111-RS microwave tissue processor is the result of a collaboration with Drs. Steve Ruzin and Denise Schichnes of the CNR Biological Imaging Facility at the University of California Berkeley*. It is user friendly, yields excellent results and is simple to use. Once you begin the operation cycle, you can move on to other work in the lab.
* Dr. Ruzin is the director of CNR Biological Imaging Facility at the University of California Berkeley and Dr. Schichnes is a Molecular Genetist with the CNR Biological Imaging Facility at the University of California Berkeley. They have collaborated extensively with Microwave Research and Applications, Inc in developing these microwave tissue processors
From the time you unpack this tissue processor, all you need to do is plug it into a standard 120 volt outlet. Then simply load the oven with your tissues, set the desired power level with a twist of a knob on the control panel and push a couple of buttons to set the desired temperature and time. At this point the tissue processor begins its program and there is no need to remain at the oven as it is “hands off operation” until completion. You can literally be processing tissues within 10 minutes after unpacking this tissue processor.
You set the maximum power level and set the temperature and times. The tissue processor will increase the tissue sample to the desired temperature and hold that temperature for the time you have programmed. Since there are an infinite number of power levels, not just 4 to 6 fixed power levels so there is a power level that will process your tissue without overheating it or the need for water cooling.
The entire microwave tissue processor is contained in a very compact, simple to use package. Other than the door handle and the side cavity vent, the entire oven is 20 1/8” deep x 15” tall x 12” wide. This tissue processor fits under any standard lab bench cabinet. There is no need to waste precious fume hood space! That is the entire system there are no separate control modules, no chillers or no bubblers.
 Features and specifications:
Simple to use controls means minimal training or the need to read thick manuals. Program the time, temperature and power using the timer, temperature controller and power knob.
The power level can be set before the processing begins and can be changed at any time during the processing.
The cavity has a powered exhaust to remove harmful or irritating fumes and it is ported from the left side of the processor using a standard 3-inch powered exhaust. This outlet can be connected to your fume hood with standard flexible ducting allowing the oven to be located close to the fume hood instead of in it, saving valuable fume hood space
 The BP-111-RS has been designed and built with features that increase process consistency. These features include:
Cavity inlet air on the BP-111-RS is ducted directly from the ambient (and relatively constant temperature) room air. This gives a consistent process environment. Many laboratory microwave ovens draw cavity air from the electronics housing; which can often be quite hot and inconsistent in temperature. High air temperature can adversely affect tissue processing consistency.
Factory set and tested power levels for consistent power levels processor to processor for more consistent protocols.
Use of high tolerance electronic components in the power control system gives repeatable and consistent performance.
A large cavity gives plenty of space for extra tissue processing. The process chamber is 13’ wide x 12 ½” deep x 8” tall.
Compact size means you can mount this oven under a standard laboratory cabinet.
 Gas or vacuum port into the cavity allows you to safely add inert gas of vacuum during processing.
The temperature probe is field replaceable and simply unplugs from the top of the cavity.
Specifications:
Output power: 20 to 1,000 watts continuously variable
Required power* 120 volt, 60 Hz.
Dedicated 15-amp line
Standard 120 volt plug
Dimensions:
Outer 20.125” d x 15” h x 12” w nominal (W/O handle)
Cavity 13” d x 13” h x 8.06” w nominal
Weight 53 pounds
Operating frequency 2.45 GHz (an internationally regulated ISM frequency)
* 230 volt 50 Hz version available
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