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Homogenizers QuickLINKS:
> Handheld/Stand
Mount Homogenizers
> Benchtop
Homogenizers
> Auto-Loc
Generators
> Sealed
Chambers
> Homogenizer
FAQ
Homogenize: "to make or render homogeneous"
while homogeneous means "having the same composition, structure,
or character throughout".
Factors
to Think About When Homogenizing
Wet
or Dry Sample
Wet Samples
- with some sort of liquid - best in generator
system.
- Liquid allows for more cavitational breakdown.
- PTFE bearings in generators work best with some sort
of liquid in sample.
Dry
Samples - when no liquids are present - best with blade
system.
Sample
Size
Generators
are capable of homogenizing a sample size from 0.03ml
to 20L.
5mm
or 7mm generators can fit into 1.5ml - 2ml eppendorf tubes.
Generator won't touch the bottom of conical microtubes,
but substance may get pulled up into generator. The generator
will touch the bottom of flat bottom microtubes.
Generator
Width
Ideally
you want to homogenize with a generator as wide as the tube
you are using.
- This will allow for faster and better
homogenizing because no material will "escape"
from the generator.
- Keep
in mind that there is some displacement of material once
the generator enters the tube or container.
Location
of Generator Within the Sample
Place
the generator off-center in the tube or container for the
best results.
- This will prevent material from getting "stuck" on the walls
of the tube and not being homogenized.
- Place the generator 1/3 of the sample height off of the bottom
of the tube or container.
Configuration of Container
& Generator Length
When
using a generator 120mm or greater in length, it is important
to remember that these generators have a mid-bearing.
This bearing does not act like a normal bearing, rather
it helps prevent bending or movement of the rotor within
the tube.
This
mid-bearing still needs to be kept moist during homogenizing
and therefore should be kept covered by the substance
being homogenized, not doing this will burn out the bearing
and will cause the sample to become dingy and blackened.
If
using too long of a generator for your sample size, you
may start to pump air because the generator can not recover
fast enough.
Speed
and Particle Size Reduction
Always begin homogenizing at a low speed, then gradually
increase speed. This allows you to remain in control of
the whole process.
Peripheral speed (tip speed of the generator) which is
affected by the size of the container and the size of
the generator is more important then RPM. The peripheral
speed is directly proportional to the amount of cavitational
breakdown. Cavitational breakdown allows for smaller particle
reduction. Talboys Bioforce homogenizers are capable of
reducing particles to 0.01 microns (1 thousandth of a
millimeter) when cavitational breakdown is present.
Most homogenizing can be done in 15 - 30 seconds if not
you may be:
- Using the wrong size generator
- Not locating the generator properly in the container
- Too viscous of a material
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