Homogenizers operate on the tried-and-tested method of applying direct mechanical force to alter the physiochemical structure of soft-solids or heterogeneous fluids. This is achieved using a rotating pestle that directly intrudes into the sample and revolves at speeds dictated by an integrated motor controller. High-speed homogenizers use a direct-drive shift to circulate the overhead pestle, while lower speed and higher torque applications benefit from geared shaft homogenizers.

The motor controller is essential for maintaining smooth rotation with highly repeatable cycles. These cycles are measured in terms of revolutions per minute (RPM), with direct-shaft homogenizers generating up to 11,500 RPM. Lower speed geared shaft homogenizers may complete fewer RPMs (>333 RPM) due to their off-center pestles, but this is offset by a significant increase in rotational force.

Glas-Col supplies motor-driven homogenizers in both iterations. These benchtop homogenizers come equipped with filtered circuitry to reduce their noise output, and a reversible operating mode that can be activated with a simple switch. They are robust and reliable mixing solutions for a range of standard laboratory mixing applications.

Homogenizers are often used in cell disruption applications to break cellular structures and extract intracellular analytes of interest. Standard systems can reliably disrupt cells, but the prevailing method is to subject samples to high pressures or nebulization. High-throughput facilities with appropriate budgets may consider the BioNeb® system from Glas-Col, a proprietary nebulizer for cell disruption applications.

This system represents a significant upfront investment, however, and may be unnecessary in low-throughput environments. Glas-Col homogenizers are sufficient for such applications. They are also broadly used in other tissue homogenization processes, typically for small, soft biological samples and cryogenically frozen tissues.

Preparation of emulsions is one of the primary areas of application for laboratory homogenizers. Rotational force facilitates the dispersion of solid particles or amorphous droplets in a liquid phase to achieve an emulsified state. The stability of these emulsions depends upon myriad factors, including the affinity between the dispersive and dispersant, the presence of stabilizers or additives, and the thermomechanical properties of the emulsion.

Glas-Col homogenizers can be used for initial dispersion or redispersion of emulsions that have succumbed to phase instability. They can be utilized for both R&D and quality assurance in a range of industries, including home and personal care products, food and beverages, and manufacturing of industrial goods.

Glas-Col offers a comprehensive range of homogenizers and mixing systems for various sample preparation applications. We have developed these benchtop tools with end-users in mind, offering remote operation of the motor control for corrosive environments and a limited facility footprint. These compact homogenizers are quiet, efficient, and long-serving to maximize your ROIs and provide tangible analytical results.

If you would like any more information about our homogenizers, please contact a member of our team with any questions.