Rotor stator technology has been used and implemented as a sample preparation solution throughout labs since the 1950s. Users are faced with a wide range of options when choosing rotor stator technology as their sample preparation solution: automation capability, sample type, sample toughness, viscosity, sample volume, and probe size—to name a few. With the wide variety of rotor stator homogenizers, consumables, and accessories that OMNI offers, we can create solutions for almost any application.
The most impactful aspect to consider when choosing a rotor stator instrument is the potential for automation. High throughput laboratories needing to process many samples need robust systems that reduce human error and traditional methods that come with hand-held homogenization. The OMNI Prep 96 and LH 96 automated workstations do just that: a walk-away platform that automatically processes solid samples using pre-programmed methods, leaving users with a liquid homogenate that can be plugged into various downstream assays.
OMNI’s line of manual rotor stator homogenizers is on the other end of the spectrum. The sample size is the main driving factor in selecting different rotor stator homogenizers that we have to offer. From smallest sample size to largest sample size, the OMNI Micro, THq, Tissue Master, TH, GLH850, Mixer, Macro, and Macro ES comprise the OMNI line of manual rotor stator homogenizers. Generally speaking, applications 100 mL and under will be compatible with the OMNI Micro, THq, Tissue Master, and TH. When working with several hundred milliliters or multiple liters of a sample, our GLH850, Mixer, Macro, and Macro ES are generally compatible with these larger-sized applications.
The OMNI rotor stator homogenizer is half of the solution. Our variety of rotor stator probes performs sample homogenization at set speeds using the selected rotor stator homogenizer. So whether your lab needs stainless steel probes, disposable plastic OMNI Tips™ or OMNI Tip™ Hybrid probes, you can trust that your rotor stator probe and homogenizer will get the job done. Selecting between the 3 types of rotor stator probes is driven by a few different things like sample size, sample toughness, cost, and the need to clean probes.
PLASTIC OMNI TIPS™ HOMOGENIZER PROBES
Disposable 7 mm OMNI Tips™ are only offered at one size, limiting what sample size can be accommodated with this consumable. On the plus side, the OMNI Tips™ are disposable, so cross carryover is completely eliminated between samples compared to using a stainless steel probe that must be cleaned between uses. OMNI Tips™ are a perfect match with the THq or OMNI automated sample preparation platforms, helping customers with varying sample throughput demands reach their goals.
STAINLESS STEEL HOMOGENIZER PROBES
Stainless steel probes enable the broadest range of applications, with sizes ranging from 5 to 30 mm accommodating samples as small as 500 μL up to multiple liters. Stainless steel probes are ideal for traditional rotor stator applications where a few samples are processed at once, but users need a probe that can stand the test of time and durability. Not to worry, though, because our probes can be quickly and easily taken apart and cleaned, ensuring that cross carryover is reduced between runs. So whether you have a few small tissue samples that need to be homogenized or are mixing multiple liters of protein powder and water for batch QC/QA, OMNI stainless steel probes can handle the task.
OMNI TIP™ HYBRID HOMOGENIZER PROBES
OMNI Tip™ Hybrid probes provide users with a durable middle-of-the-road option that meets disposable needs using a throw-away plastic shaft and a stainless-steel outer tube. Offered in 7 and 12 mm options, this probe is excellent for sample types containing high percentages of connective tissue, keratin, or muscle like umbilical cord, placenta, skin, skeletal muscle, or gastrointestinal tract. With all options considered, there are several other factors besides sample volume that our applications lab considers when recommending a rotor stator homogenizer for a specific application. Sample size, sample viscosity, sample toughness, buffer type, buffer volume, downstream analyte, and vessel or tube type are all things our team considers before recommending a product. For example, if a user wanted to homogenize 100, 500 milligram pieces of pork tissue per day for downstream protein extraction, we would need to consider the following questions, with rationale for each provided in sub-bullet points:
• Is the user’s goal to pool the tissue together and homogenize all 100 pieces of pork tissue in one large vessel?
> This question would narrow down instrumentation between a large format rotor stator homogenizer (OMNI Macro ES) or a hand-held homogenizer (OMNI THq).
• If processing individual 500 mg pieces, will the user need plastic OMNI TipsTM or Stainless Steel probes? and is the customer worried about cross carryover between samples?
> This will let us know if we need to take additional steps to provide support to prevent cross carryover between samples if the customer chooses stainless steel probes.
• What buffer is the customer processing in? What volume of buffer?
> This will help when recommending a tube or vessel for the customer. Some buffers comprise of detergent-based lysis agents that foam quite a bit during processing. We want to consider all factors, not just raw volume when selecting tube size for an application.
• Is there potential to scale up in the future?
> We want to know if the customer wants to automate their sample preparation! Our OMNI Prep 96 and LH 96 automated platforms are perfect for customers who need to scale up their sample preparation. With manual and automated rotor stator solutions available, the combinations for streamlined sample preparation are endless. For more information about OMNI rotor stator homogenization solutions, reach out to sales@omni-inc.com
For research use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.