Ultrasonic Homogenizer

What is the Ultrasonic Homogenizer?

An ultrasonic homogenizer uses cavitation from a vibrating probe to disrupt cells and disperse particles. It suits small volumes, nanoparticle dispersion and applications needing intense, precisely controlled local energy in research and industry.

Overview

An ultrasonic homogenizer drives a titanium probe at high frequency, generating pressure waves that create and collapse microscopic bubbles in the liquid. The collapse produces intense local shear and shock waves that disrupt cells, break agglomerates and disperse particles. Amplitude, processing time and pulse settings control the energy delivered, and cooling is important because sonication heats the sample. The method suits small volumes and applications needing high local energy, such as cell lysis, nanoparticle dispersion and emulsification. Probe diameter is matched to the volume, and probes must remain immersed to avoid damage from running dry.

How does it work?

Homogenizers reduce particle size and mix components so that any portion of the sample represents the whole. Blade homogenizers spin a sharp blade at high speed to chop and blend tissue or food. Rotor-stator homogenizers draw the sample into a narrow gap between a fast rotor and a stationary stator, creating intense shear that disrupts cells and emulsions. High-pressure homogenizers force the sample through a small valve under pressure, so shear, impact and cavitation break droplets and cells. Bead mill homogenizers shake the sample with small beads to grind and lyse material in tubes. Ultrasonic homogenizers use cavitation from a vibrating probe to disrupt cells and disperse particles.

What are the key features?

• High-frequency probe generating cavitation
• Adjustable amplitude and pulse settings
• Effective for cell lysis and nanoparticle dispersion
• Small-volume processing capability
• Pulse mode to limit heating

What are the technical specifications?

A typical ultrasonic homogenizer configuration offers working volume of 0.2–500 mL, frequency of 20 kHz, power output of 50–500 W, amplitude of 10–100%, adjustable, probe diameter of 2–20 mm and pulse mode of 0.1–9.9 s on and off. Values are indicative of the product class; the exact figures for each configuration are confirmed on the quotation and the calibration documents supplied with the instrument.

Which applications is it used for?

The Ultrasonic Homogenizer is used in cell and bacterial lysis, nanoparticle and pigment dispersion, emulsification and mixing and environmental sample extraction. Across the wider Homogenizers class, laboratories also deploy it for food and feed microbiological preparation, tissue and cell disruption and emulsion and nanoparticle dispersion.

Which standards and certifications apply?

Relevant standards and methods include ISO 6887-1, ISO 6497, EPA 3050B, ISO 17635 and IEC 61010-1. Certification candidates for this model are CE and ISO 9001 manufacturing; each is to be confirmed for the specific configuration before shipment, and certificates are supplied only where they have been issued.

Keep the working part and the sample cool, since homogenisation generates heat that can degrade proteins, nucleic acids and volatile analytes. Clean and, where necessary, sterilise probes, blades and chambers between samples to avoid cross-contamination. Use the smallest effective volume and the shortest time that gives a uniform sample, and record the settings in the method. For microbiological work, follow aseptic technique and validated procedures such as ISO 6887-1. Inspect probes and seals for wear, and handle ultrasonic probes so they do not run dry, which would damage them.

How do I select the right Ultrasonic Homogenizer?

Choose an ultrasonic homogenizer for small volumes and processes needing intense local energy, such as cell lysis or nanoparticle dispersion. Confirm the power and probe diameter suit the volume, and that pulse mode and cooling are available to control temperature. For large volumes, a rotor-stator or high-pressure unit is usually more efficient.

How does it compare with other Homogenizers variants?

Choose a homogenizer according to the sample type, volume and the purpose of homogenisation. Blade homogenizers suit soft tissue and food at moderate volumes; rotor-stator units handle larger volumes and tougher material; bead mill homogenizers suit small volumes and high-throughput lysis in tubes; high-pressure homogenizers suit emulsions and cell disruption at scale; and ultrasonic homogenizers suit small volumes and nanoparticle dispersion. Confirm the working volume, the achievable particle or droplet size, and whether the sample must remain cool to protect analytes. Consider cross-contamination between samples and whether disposable or autoclavable components are needed for microbiological work.