230V TissueRuptor II, UK

A handheld rotor–stator homogenizer from QIAGEN designed for the rapid, efficient, and flexible disruption of a variety of biological samples, including plant and animal tissues. Samples are simultaneously disrupted and homogenized by a rapidly rotating blade. Disposable probes enable flexible sample disruption, and using a separate disposable probe for each sample helps minimize the risk of cross-contamination. The transparent disposable probe also enables visual control of the disruption process.

The instrument is intended for molecular biology applications and is not intended for the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of a disease. Cells and tissues are disrupted at room temperature (15–25°C) in lysis buffer, and plant material may alternatively be disrupted in liquid nitrogen. Tissue samples of 1 mg to 1 g can be successfully disrupted and homogenized. A minimum volume of 180 µl lysis buffer should be used in a suitably sized vessel, such as a 2 ml microcentrifuge tube. For DNA purification, the disruption time should be kept as short as possible to prevent shearing of DNA.

The device thoroughly disrupts and simultaneously homogenizes single samples in the presence of lysis buffer or liquid nitrogen in 15–120 seconds, depending on the toughness and size of the sample. Disruption at full speed for 30 seconds is usually sufficient to release nucleic acids or proteins. The disrupted material is suitable for downstream purification of RNA, DNA, total nucleic acids, or protein using compatible QIAGEN kits, which support a range of starting materials including cells, easy-to-lyse tissues, fibrous tissue, lipid tissue, plant tissue, and small samples.