ULTRASONIC HOMOGENIZERS

An ultrasonic homogenizer (also known as "ultrasonic processor", "cell disruptor" or "sonicator") disrupts tissues and cells through cavitation and ultrasonic waves. Ultrasonic homogenizing is a mechanical process to reduce small particles in a liquid so that they become uniformly small and evenly distributed. Basically, an ultrasonic homogenizer has an ultrasonic probe (i.e. tip) which very rapidly vibrates, causing bubbles in the surrounding solution to rapidly form and collapse. This creates shear and shock waves which tear apart cells and particles.

Ultrasonics is great for breaking apart cells and subcellular structures in suspension, but it is not good for homogenizing intact tissue. Ultrasonic homogenizers can also shear DNA, which could be a good thing or a bad thing depending on your application. Other applications include dissolution of hard-to-dissolve substances in fluids, manufacture of dispersions and suspensions, dispersion of nanoparticles, production of finest emulsions with minimal droplet size, catalysis and acceleration of chemical reactions, extraction of ingredients, and breaking up of cells, bacteria, viruses, spores, fungi, or tissues. Sonicators generally generate a significant amount of heat so they may not work well with temperature-sensitive samples.

RotaLab provides a wide range of sonicators for research and production applications.