Within the next few months, Omni International will be introducing the new Omni LH96 Automated Homogenizer Workstation.  The LH96 is a fully automated laboratory workstation that can be configured to batch process up to 192 samples (dependant upon sample tube sizes).  This new product homogenizes samples using four brushless motors, which will be able to independently power disposable and stainless steel Omni Tip™ style generator probes.  Brushless motors will greatly reduce the amount of noise inside labs, and will allow consistent processing of samples using patented Omni Tip™ products.  When comparing this sound level to four conventional motor drives, you will experience a significantly quieter lab environment.

Operator error can result from manually homogenizing a large number of samples per day.  Having a fully automated homogenizer in your laboratory will allow you to load the unit and walk away while it processes your samples.  This in turn will allow you to do something else productive.

Since the LH96 has a small footprint, it is small enough to fit under most fume hoods and can process sample tube sizes ranging from 0.25mL to 50mL.  When processing 192 samples in 15mL tubes, cross contamination is always a concern.  Therefore the LH96 has a built-in drip prevention and capture pan.  Having this feature drastically reduces the possibility of cross contamination when processing 192 samples (0.25mL < 15mL) or 96 samples (15mL < 50mL).

The LH96 is powered by a micro-processor which has a universal power input, accepting 115 and 220 volt power.  Its touch screen interface is controllable; allowing the user to vary tip speed from 500 to 30,000 rpm, processing time, probe depth, vacillation, dimensions, etc.  Upon determining a custom program that works well with a specific sample, the user can store that program within the memory of the LH96.  In addition to these controls, the interface will inform the user to the machines elapsed run time, time to completion, probe speed, etc.

Having this type of technology on-board allows configuring additional accessories to the unit (which I will explain in my next blog).  To give you a sneak peak however, some of these add-on accessories include the following:

·         Fully Automated Liquid Handling

·         Bar Code Scanning

·         Sample Weighing

·         Cooling Rack

·         Cleaning Station (for Stainless Steel and Disposable Probes)

If you are homogenizing in a high throughput environment, then the Omni LH96 is a perfect fit for your lab.

It is no secret to researchers who homogenize tissue samples as part of their regular laboratory routine that the job can be messy and loud, and produce results that are sometimes inconsistent. To improve the laboratory work experience, we took a fresh look at the factors that matter most to those who use our homogenizers. These factors include sample processing results, repeatability, ease of cleaning, product noise, time, ease of use, product weight, reliability and environmental impact.This analysis resulted in the creation of the new Omni THQ lightweight handheld rotor stator homogenizer with Whisper Drive™ technology. Mechanical shear homogenizers, also known as rotor-stator homogenizers are the product of choice for most tissue homogenization applications. They generally consist of a motor and a processing probe called a generator probe. As a knife spins within the stator, it creates a pumping action that pulls liquid into the open end of the generator probe. The probe then forces the liquid out through windows in the stator portion, which sets up a shearing action, much like a pair of scissors. It thereby works to reduce the particle size of sample being forced through the windows.The vast majority of today’s rotor-stator homogenizers are powered by motors that require carbon brushes to make them operate. This technology has been around for many years, and while it is quite suitable for occasional use, it has a number of drawbacks when compared to Whisper Drive™ technology brushless motor that drives the Omni THQ.

When compared to our Omni TH brush motor driven homogenizer, the Omni THQ uses 80% less electricity to drive a 7-mm generator probe. Since its motor is significantly smaller and lighter, the THQ weighs 34% less than the Omni TH, and by eliminating motor brush noise, the THQ is 80% quieter than the TH when both are running at 35,000 rpm. This sound level is roughly equivalent to the sound of a moderate rainfall. Since no brushes are used, no carbon dust is created and the motor is maintenance-free, making it more convenient for the user and providing a longer product warranty.

Improved accuracy and repeatability are other significant benefits of Omni’s Whisper Drive™ technology since the motor accurately maintains its set speed, while a brush motor’s speed will fluctuate as sample viscosity changes, or as sample particle size varies. With the THQ a digital display takes full advantage of this accuracy improvement.

This Rotor/Stator design homogenizes samples using a brushless motor. This allows the THQ to produce a sound level of 60dB at top speed, which is 15% quieter than most motor drives (but not as silent as your ninja lab partner). It also has a universal power input, accepting 115 and 220 volt power, and an optional external battery pack. This battery pack offers a 15 minute battery life at peak power, which allows it to be used out in the field for quick and efficient on-the-spot testing.

Having a digital speed control with a 3 digit speed readout (displaying the set speed, not the actual speed), will allow you to process samples at the same speed repeatedly. When using the digital touchpad, the THQ has a controllable speed (using separate increase/decrease speed controls) anywhere between 8,000 and 35,000 rpm. After processing the sample, the homogenizer can be turned off, but when turned back on, remembers the last speed at which it was running (This means that you can remember what you were supposed to pick up after work today, and it will remember what speed to run the next sample).

The Omni Tip (a mechanical shearing blade assembly) couples directly to the THQ and has the capability of processing samples ranging from 2ml to 50ml tube sizes. In addition, when using the bayonet generator coupling, a user can successfully process a sample using the 10mm generator. Depending on the size of the blade assembly, plastic and stainless steel Omni Tips are available.

Overall, the THQ, which will be introduced to the market in the next few months, will be one of the quietest and most consistent digital speed controlled laboratory homogenizers on the market today.

Stay tuned for our next Blog about the new Omni TH – Handheld Homogenizer!