A laboratory homogenizer bead beater is a device used to homogenize, emulsify, or lyse biological samples by agitating beads at high speeds. This process, known as bead beating, uses small beads made of glass, ceramic, or steel that are placed in a tube with the sample and then agitated at high speeds, typically by a motor or rotor. The beads physically disrupt the cells or tissue, breaking open the cell walls and releasing the intracellular contents. Homogenizers bead beaters are widely used in molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry and other life science research fields. They can be used for a variety of samples, such as plant and animal tissue, bacteria, yeast, and even some types of viruses.
Samples are placed in tubes(2ml or 5 ml), such as microcentrifuge tubes or vials, along with beads before being placed in the homogenizer bead beater. The beads are usually added in a specific ratio to the sample volume, depending on the type of sample and the desired level of homogenization. The tubes are then close and placed into the homogenizer, where they are agitated at high speeds by the motor or rotor. The beads collide with the sample, breaking it up and homogenizing it. The time and speed of homogenization will depend on the type of sample and the desired level of homogenization. Once the process is complete, the sample can be further processed or analyzed as needed.
The beads used in a laboratory homogenizer bead beater can be made of a variety of materials, including glass, ceramic, and steel.
Glass beads are often used in homogenization of soft samples such as bacteria and yeasts. They are also useful for homogenizing small volumes of samples.
Ceramic beads are harder than glass beads and are used for homogenizing tough samples such as plant and animal tissue.
Steel beads are the hardest of the three materials and are used for samples that are extremely tough to homogenize, such as seeds, hair, and nails.
The diameter of the beads can vary depending on the type of sample and the desired level of homogenization. Typically, beads with a diameter of 0.1-3 mm are used, The bead size and material are chosen according to the sample properties, the mechanical properties of the beads, and the desired level of homogenization.
Some laboratory homogenizer bead beaters have built-in cooling systems. These types of homogenizers are designed to keep the samples at a low temperature during the homogenization process, which can be beneficial for certain types of samples or experiments. The cooling system can be an air or water-cooled system, and it can be used to help preserve the temperature-sensitive molecules in the samples, such as enzymes and proteins. It can also help to prevent sample overheating and potential loss of integrity of the sample during the homogenization process.