Arduino Automated Microwave Oven for Tissue Decalcification

Abstract

Decalcification of hard tissues such as bone and teeth is a complex process that requires using chemicals such as acids and chelating agents. Acids act faster than chelating agents, but they have a greater risk of damaging biological samples. Increasing the reaction speed of the chelating agent may solve this issue. There are several strategies to speed up this process, and using microwaves seems to be one of the most effective. However, lab-dedicated microwave ovens are expensive, and their purchase may seem unjustified. Therefore, a low-cost modification of a commercial microwave oven, consisting of an Arduino automation device, has been developed. The setup has proven reliable for continuous work, thanks to implementing an electronic safety circuit. In addition, it may reduce the decalcification time using a chelating agent, achieving optimal results regarding tissue preservation and quality of histological sections.