To estimate the effectiveness of different decalcifying solutions by electrolysis

Electrophoresis is the motion of dispersed particles related to a fluid under the influence of spatially uniform electric field. It can be used to separate and decalcify biological molecules. In case of inorganic molecules their separation and movement under electric current is called as electrolysis.

To compare the rate of decalcification of different decalcifying solutions using routine and electrolytic method and effect of these methods on processing of hard tissues and the H & E staining quality of the prepared decalcified sections.

The present study included four different decalcifying solutions namely 8% Hydrochloric acid, 5% Nitric acid, 10% Formic acid and EDTA. 80 Maxillary and mandibular premolar teeth were decalcified using routine and electrolytic methods, then processed, sectioned and stained using H & E stain and studied under microscope by two independent observers.

Kruskal-Wallis test and Man Whitney test were used for comparison of mean staining score. Chi square test was used for distribution of mean staining score and effect on tissue processing and one way ANOVA test and post hoc bonferroni test for comparison of mean time taken for the decalcification by different decalcifying agents.

Considering the preservation and staining characteristics, significant difference was observed between routine and electrolytic method of 10% Formic acid and 8% HCL. No significant difference was observed between routine and electrolytic method of 5% Nitric acid.

Electrolytic decalcification took lesser time for complete decalcification and gave better preservation of tissue architecture.