Probe-Type Ultrasonic Cell Disruptor

What is the Probe-Type Ultrasonic Cell Disruptor?

A probe-type ultrasonic cell disruptor immerses a titanium probe in the sample and delivers high-intensity cavitation at 20 kHz. It is the standard choice for cell lysis, dispersion and emulsification of 1 to 500 mL volumes.

Overview

The probe-type disruptor delivers the highest intensity of the ultrasonic designs because the probe tip is in direct contact with the liquid. A generator of 100 to 1,200 W drives a 20 kHz transducer, and interchangeable probes of 3 to 25 mm diameter cover volumes from 1 to 500 mL. Amplitude is adjustable from 20 to 100 percent of maximum, and pulse on-off timing limits heating. A temperature probe can stop the run at a set limit. Probes are commonly titanium alloy, which resists cavitation erosion. The tip loses mass over time and should be replaced when pitting is visible. Because the tip touches the sample, cleaning between samples is required to prevent cross-contamination. Noise is high, 80 to 100 dB(A), so a sound enclosure or hearing protection is essential. The design is widely used for bacteria, yeast, tissue and nanoparticle dispersions.

How does it work?

An ultrasonic generator converts mains power into a high-frequency electrical signal, typically 20 kHz, which drives a piezoelectric transducer. The transducer expands and contracts to produce longitudinal vibration, and a booster and a horn or probe amplify this motion to amplitudes of 20 to 200 micrometers at the tip. When the tip vibrates in liquid, alternating pressure waves form microscopic vacuum bubbles that grow and collapse violently, a process called cavitation. The collapse creates localized high temperature, pressure and shear jets, which rupture cells, break agglomerates and form emulsions. Key components are the generator, transducer, booster, probe or tip, and optional temperature sensor and sound enclosure. Amplitude, pulse mode, treatment time and probe diameter determine the energy delivered per volume. Cooling is essential because the process heats samples.

What are the key features?

• Direct-contact titanium probe gives the highest cavitation intensity
• Power of 100–1,200 W at 20 kHz for volumes of 1–500 mL
• Adjustable amplitude from 20 to 100 percent of maximum
• Pulse on-off control to limit heating of sensitive samples
• Temperature probe with programmable stop limit
• Interchangeable probes of 3–25 mm diameter

What are the technical specifications?

A typical probe-type ultrasonic cell disruptor configuration offers frequency of 20 kHz, output power of 100–1,200 W, working volume of 1–500 mL, amplitude of 20–100 % of max, probe diameter of 3–25 mm and probe material of Titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V). 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 Probe-Type Ultrasonic Cell Disruptor is used in bacterial and yeast cell lysis, nanoparticle dispersion, liposome and nanoemulsion preparation, protein extraction and sample degassing. Across the wider Ultrasonic Homogenizers class, laboratories also deploy it for cell lysis and protein extraction, nanoparticle and graphene dispersion and nanoemulsion and liposome preparation.

Which standards and certifications apply?

Relevant standards and methods include IEC 61010-1, IEC 61010-2-051, IEC 62127-1, ISO 13320 and GB 4793.1. Certification candidates for this model are CE, RoHS 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.

Always protect hearing, because ultrasonic units produce audible noise and subharmonics; use a sound enclosure or ear protection. Immerse the probe to the recommended depth and keep it centered without touching the vessel wall. Cool samples in an ice bath and use pulsed operation to limit heat, especially for proteins and RNA. Never run the probe in air, because this can damage the transducer. Inspect the tip for pitting and replace it when erosion is visible, since tip wear changes delivered power. Calibrate power output periodically with calorimetry. Clean with water or alcohol after each sample. Comply with IEC 61010-1 and local noise regulations, and use biosafety precautions because sonication can generate aerosols.

How do I select the right Probe-Type Ultrasonic Cell Disruptor?

Choose a probe-type unit when you need maximum intensity for lysis or dispersion in volumes of 1 to 500 mL. Indirect cup-horn units are better for sealed or hazardous samples. In the RFQ, specify power, probe diameters, volume range, temperature control and enclosure needs.

How does it compare with other Ultrasonic Homogenizers variants?

Select an ultrasonic homogenizer by power, frequency, sample volume and format. Probe-type units deliver the highest energy density and are used for cell lysis and nanoparticle dispersion, with power from 100 to 1,200 W. Microtip probes handle volumes from 0.2 to 10 mL. Cup-horn systems treat sealed tubes indirectly and avoid aerosol and cross-contamination. Flow-through cells support continuous processing from milliliters to liters per minute. Enclosures reduce noise, which can reach 90 dB(A) or more without protection. Verify that the probe material, usually titanium alloy, is compatible with the sample, and check the availability of replacement tips. Consider pulse control, temperature sensing, amplitude stability and data logging. Ask for treatment time and energy per volume to allow method reproducibility across instruments.