Ultrasonic Homogenizers (sonicators) help in catalysis or breaking up of cells, bacteria, viruses, spores, fungi, or tissues, and acceleration of chemical reactions, homogenization of substances of all kinds and various other purposes. Ultrasonic homogenizers are also known as sonifier and sonicators that use ultrasonic waves for cells and tissue disruption. An ultrasonic homogenizer consist of a generator which provides and controls the power, a transducer that converts electric energy to very high-frequency mechanical motion with the help of piezoelectric crystals or am amplifier and a titanium probe that transmits the ultrasonic energy to the sample by rapidly vibrating in a longitudinal direction.
Ultrasonic homogenizers (sonicators) aid in creating emulsions and dispersion of very small particles such as nanoparticles. Ultrasonic homogenizers generate a huge amount of noise and heat due to large amount of power generation. On account of this, samples need cooling or freezing to be done before the homogenization processing. Ultrasonic homogenizer is a homogenization process that can take place through cavitation or by the means of ultrasonic waves. The combination process of cavitation and ultrasonic homogenization makes homogenizers an attractive choice for the purposes of cell size reduction and cell disruptions.
How Ultrasonic Homogenizers Work?
The ultrasonic homogenizer GENERATOR transforms AC line voltage to 20 kHz high frequency electrical energy. Users have the ability to adjust generator functions allowing complete control of homogenization parameters.
The electrical energy from the generator is transmitted to the piezoelectric TRANSDUCER via high voltage cable and converted to mechanical energy causing longitudinal vibration.
The transducer vibrations are amplified by the PROBE when coupled. When the probe is immersed into a solution, the longitudinally vibrations are transmitted down the probe into the solution causing cavitation.
Cavitation is the result of microscopic vapor bubbles formed momentarily then imploding, causing powerful infinitesimal shock waves to radiate throughout the solution in proximity to the radiating face of the probe.The amplitude is the total distance the probe travels from peak to peak (expanding and contracting) and is dependent on the power control selected by the user.
The probe diameter and design profile determines the sample volume which can be effectively processed. Larger diameter probes generate low intensity cavitation and are utilized when processing large sample volumes. Smaller diameter probes generate high intensity cavitation and are utilized when processing small sample volumes.
Our ultrasonic homogenizers employ a proprietary feedback system, insuring that the ultrasonic homogenizer is always working at its maximum efficiency regardless of the application. The percentage of ultrasonic power emitted is indicated by the output meter, enabling accurate, reproducible results.
