What Is a Homogenizer?
A homogenizer is a piece of laboratory or industrial equipment used to break down, mix, and create a uniform sample from materials such as tissue, plant matter, food, soil, and many other sample types. PRO Scientific high-shear rotor-stator homogenizers help researchers prepare consistent samples quickly and efficiently for laboratory analysis.
What Does a Homogenizer Do?
Homogenization helps create a more uniform sample by reducing particle size and distributing sample components more evenly. It is a common sample preparation process used in biological research, pharmaceuticals, food science, cosmetics, agriculture, environmental testing, and many other laboratory applications.
PRO Scientific homogenizers use high-speed rotor-stator technology to generate mechanical shear within the sample. Depending on the homogenizer and generator probe selected, PRO systems can process very small laboratory samples as well as larger volumes.
Homogenizer, Cell Lyser, Disperser, High-Shear Mixer, Rotor-Stator Homogenizer, or Tissue Homogenizer?
Laboratory homogenizers may be described by several different terms depending on the application. A PRO Scientific homogenizer is a high-shear rotor-stator system that can be used for applications including tissue homogenization, cell disruption, dispersing, mixing, emulsification, and general sample preparation.
Other homogenization technologies, such as sonicators and mortar and pestle systems, use different methods to process samples. The best technology depends on your sample type, desired result, processing volume, and application.
Not sure which homogenization technology is right for your application? Learn more about the different methods of homogenization .
How Does a Rotor-Stator Homogenizer Work?
A rotor-stator homogenizer uses a rapidly rotating rotor positioned inside a stationary stator. As the rotor turns at high speed, the sample is drawn into the generator probe and subjected to intense mechanical shear. This process rapidly reduces particle size and helps create a uniform sample.
PRO Scientific homogenizers operate at speeds up to 35,000 rpm, depending on the model. The combination of motor speed and generator probe design allows researchers to select the system best suited to their specific sample and volume.
Is the Homogenizer the Motor or the Stainless Steel Probe?
The motor unit is technically the homogenizer. PRO Scientific offers hand-held, stand-mounted, benchtop, digital, and automated homogenizer configurations.
The stainless steel component that enters the sample is called the generator probe. Generator probe selection is an important part of successful homogenization because probe diameter, geometry, and rotor-stator design affect processing volume, shear, and sample performance.
PRO Quick Connect Generator Probes and Multi-Gen 7XL probes are designed for fast installation, efficient processing, and a wide range of sample types, from soft biological tissue to tougher materials.
Will High-Shear Homogenization Damage My Sample?
High-shear laboratory homogenizers are designed to process samples rapidly. Many homogenization procedures can be completed in seconds, which helps limit unnecessary heat exposure during processing.
Compared with manual methods such as mortar and pestle processing, a rotor-stator homogenizer can provide faster and more repeatable sample preparation. Manual processing can take longer and may produce more variation between users.
The correct homogenizer speed, generator probe, processing time, and technique should always be selected based on the specific sample and application.
Can I Use a PRO Scientific Homogenizer for Soft Tissue?
Yes. PRO Scientific rotor-stator homogenizers can be used for soft tissue as well as many tougher biological samples.
Generator probe selection is especially important when processing delicate or soft samples. Different probe designs provide different levels of shear and processing capability. PRO Scientific can help recommend a generator probe and homogenizer combination based on your sample type, volume, and desired result.
What Samples Can Be Homogenized?
PRO Scientific homogenizers are used for a wide range of laboratory and research applications, including:
- Tissue homogenization
- Plant and agricultural samples
- Food samples
- Soil and environmental samples
- Cell disruption and sample preparation
- Suspensions and dispersions
- Emulsions
- Cosmetics, creams, and lotions
- Pharmaceutical and formulation research
You can also review our homogenizer application database for examples of PRO Scientific homogenizers used with specific samples and research applications.
How Do I Choose the Right Laboratory Homogenizer?
The best homogenizer depends on several factors, including sample volume, sample type, viscosity, required throughput, container size, desired particle reduction, and whether you prefer hand-held or stand-mounted operation.
PRO Scientific offers a range of high-shear laboratory homogenizers and generator probes designed for small-volume research through larger laboratory processing applications.
Need Help Choosing a Homogenizer?
Tell us about your sample type, processing volume, and application. Our team can help recommend the PRO Scientific homogenizer and generator probe combination best suited to your research.
Contact PRO Scientific Request a Quote