Blog | Homogenizers.net

Enzymatic and Mechanical Approaches for Mammalian Tissue Dissociation

By Kim McDonald, 21 January 2025

Efficiently dissociating tissue while preserving cellular integrity is a technically challenging process, often involving a combination of mechanical and enzymatic methods to prepare single-cell suspensions. There are a variety of protocols for tissue dissociation depending on the tissue and downstream application. One popular approach is using orbital shakers or shaking water baths in combination with enzymatic digestion. Non-enzymatic approaches often involve paddle blenders, tissue grinders, or bead mills.

Should You Sonicate Your Western Blot Lysates?

By Kim McDonald, 08 June 2024

Sonication uses ultrasonic frequencies of 20 kHz or greater to disrupt cell membranes and ensure complete cell lysis. While most homogenization techniques are capable of cell lysis and homogenization, sonicators are particularly efficient. Where sonication stands out from other methods is its ability to shear chromatin and DNA in small sample volumes. DNA released from lysed nuclei can create a viscous sample that interferes with sample preparation and gel loading. Sonication shears DNA, decreasing viscosity, homogenizing the sample, and releasing DNA-bound proteins, leading to greater overall Western blot sensitivity.

Ultimate Guide to Homogenizer Selection for Cannabis Applications

By Doran Amos, 17 December 2023

In recent years, the production and consumption of cannabis-derived products for medicinal and health-enhancing purposes has grown rapidly across the US and worldwide. In this article, we detail the key factors to consider when purchasing a homogenizer and summarize the main advantages and disadvantages of the most suitable homogenizer types for cannabis applications.

How to prevent heat build-up during homogenization

By Doran Amos, 16 September 2022

Heat build-up during homogenization can be a significant challenge, especially when working with temperature-sensitive samples. So how can you prevent heat damage to your sample during homogenization? In this article, we provide specific tips on how to deal with sample overheating in four popular types of homogenizer.

Using an Ultrasonic Homogenizer to Process Substances for Human Consumption

By Aimee O'Driscoll, 08 July 2021

We examine the issue of trace amounts of titanium in samples and what you can do to limit risks.

Bead Mill Homogenizers vs. High Pressure Homogenizers

By Aimee O'Driscoll, 22 June 2021

Need to decide between a bead mill homogenizer and a high pressure homogenizer? We describe both technologies including their pros and cons and reveal which applications they're most suitable for.

Ultrasonic Homogenizers Versus High Pressure Homogenizers

By Aimee O'Driscoll, 19 May 2021

We take a look at the pros and cons of ultrasonic homogenization and high pressure homogenization. We also offer a comparison of the two technologies and summarize which types of applications each is most suitable for.

How to Choose an Ultrasonic Homogenizer Horn

By Aimee O'Driscoll, 18 April 2021

We look at the main factors to consider when deciding which horn is right for your application and the different types of probes available.

How to Choose a Homogenizer Probe

By Aimee O'Driscoll, 13 February 2021

Selecting the right probe is a crucial step in any rotor-stator homogenization application. We explain the options available and how to choose the right generator for your needs.

Rotor Stators Versus High Pressure Homogenizers

By Aimee O'Driscoll, 20 December 2020

We compare the pros and cons of rotor-stator homogenization and high pressure homogenization. In addition, we provide a summary of their features and functionality and reveal the types of applications they are most suitable for.

Rotor Stator Homogenizers Versus Ultrasonic Homogenizers (Sonicators)

By Aimee O'Driscoll, 21 March 2020

We take a look at the pros and cons of rotor-stator homogenization and ultrasonic homogenization. In addition, we provide a summary of which types of applications each technology is most suitable for.

Bead Mill Homogenizers Versus Ultrasonic Homogenizers (Sonicators)

By Aimee O'Driscoll, 28 December 2019

We take a look at the pros and cons of bead mill homogenization and ultrasonic homogenization. In addition, we provide a summary of which types of applications each technology is most suitable for.

Rotor-Stator Homogenization Versus Bead Mill Homogenization

By Aimee O'Driscoll, 31 October 2019

We take a look at the pros and cons of rotor-stator homogenization and bead mill homogenization. In addition, we provide a summary of which types of applications each technology is most suitable for.

The Forces Involved in Homogenization Explained

By Aimee O'Driscoll, 16 August 2019

Most types of homogenization processes involve a combination of multiple forces, including shear and impact. We explain what these forces are and in which types of homogenization they are most prominent.

Why Variable-Frequency Ultrasonic Homogenizers Don’t Exist

By Aimee O'Driscoll, 20 April 2019

We explain why ultrasonic homogenizers, as well as other types of ultrasonic equipment, such as ultrasonic baths, typically operate at a single frequency.