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.

In case you haven’t yet heard, Omni International will be introducing the new THQ handheld laboratory homogenizer to the market within the next few months. This new product will have a brushless motor, digital speed control/readout, and will be OmniTip compatible. These features will reduce the amount of noise inside labs, and will allow a consistent processing of samples using plastic and stainless steel OmniTips.

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!