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Case Study: OMNI Homogenizers Are the Missing Sequence for CRISPR Gene-Editing Technology

March 7, 2023

When Mammoth Biosciences required a solution for high-quality homogenization of animal tissue, OMNI worked with their team to develop a custom product.

Genetic manipulation may seem like a futuristic concept, but to Mammoth Biosciences, this technology – called CRISPR – enables their everyday work: providing innovative diagnostics and therapeutics across healthcare, agriculture, and many other industries.

Mammoth is at the forefront of biotechnological solutions, led by a distinguished team that includes co-founder and CRISPR-Cas genome editing co-inventor and Noble Prize Winner Jennifer Doudna, Mammoth is at the forefront of biotechnological solutions, developing the next generation CRISPR products to read and write the “code of life.”

CRISPR, named after the family of DNA sequences found in the genomes of certain prokaryotic organisms, is a technology capable of editing genes by identifying and altering specific sections of DNA within a cell. This powerful tool can modify the gene function of plants and animals alike, potentially transforming the fields of medicine and genetics.

While Mammoth’s work centers on solving complex problems of health and science, their latest endeavor had an obstacle of its own: no established method for automated high throughput tissue homogenization.

TISSUE HOMOGENIZATION FOR GENETIC TECHNOLOGY

In search of an automated homogenization solution, the Mammoth team fell upon the OMNI International website and contacted our team for more information.

Tissue homogenization is a delicate process, and the Mammoth team required a solution that not only processed the tissues correctly but also could produce high throughput. They were fast approaching the launch of a new experiment that required significant use of mouse tissue, but without the means to properly homogenize the tissue, the project could not move forward.

 Mammoth’s team needed the homogenizer to fit seamlessly within their existing workflow, and the Prep 96 Automated Homogenizer Workstation fitted the bill… almost. The homogenizer would need to work in tandem with their existing liquid handler, a Tecan.

With this in mind, the OMNI R&D team set to work identifying the functionality and synergies Mammoth’s existing workflow required of the Prep 96 Homogenizer. The OMNI team offered guidance on the customization to ensure that a rotor-stator approach would work effectively for their target analytes and the types of tissue Mammoth planned to analyze.

As part of the development and validation, OMNI sent a demo unit of their handheld homogenizer and several plastic, disposable OMNI Tips for the Mammoth team to evaluate and optimize the homogenization of their tissue sample.

After collaborating with Mammoth’s Automation engineers, the OMNI R&D team finalized the custom design of the homogenizer, including sample holders that could work both with the homogenizer and their existing liquid handler, enabling a streamlined system of tissue processing. Mammoth was able to launch its next experiment on schedule.

OMNI PREP 96 AUTOMATED HOMOGENIZER WORKSTATION

Among the many features of the Prep 96 Automated Homogenizer that appealed to the Mammoth team are its versatility, throughput, and consistency in high-quality results.

Sample preparation is critical to analyzing animal tissue, and Mammoth required a workstation that provided fast, accurate results. The OMNI Prep 96 is fully automated, enabling true walk-away lab processing and efficiency and predictability of your workflows. Some of the homogenizer’s key features include:

  • Automated homogenization of up to 96 samples
  • Elimination of cross-contamination and carry over
  • Integration with liquid handling systems and automated workflows
  • Robust, reliable industrial motors and controls
  • Reproducible, error-free results

CUSTOM SOLUTIONS FOR COMPLEX SCIENCE

OMNI works closely with clients to provide cutting-edge laboratory homogenizers, ranging from customizable and automated homogenizers to bead mills to rotor-stator mixers. OMNI also offers nucleic acid extraction kits, tubs, beads, and well plates, among other accessories.

OMNI's patented designs are curated for accuracy of analysis and results, as well as state-of-the-art automation technology that provides walk-away processing in your lab.

For research use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.