How to Prolong the Life of High-Speed Tissue Homogenizer with Effective Maintenance?

 

High speed tissue homogenizers are extensively used across biological, biochemical, and pharmaceutical industries. They are primarily used to break down various cells and tissues into smaller size to carry out further analysis as well as helps in protein extraction and DNA or RNA analysis. So, it’s clear that maintaining the high speed tissue homogenizer is vital to ensure consistency of performance, extension of its lifespan, and minimizes the downtime. That is why we will explore here a few maintenance tips that may help increase the life of a homogenizer.

Listed below are some vital maintenance tips of a high speed tissue homogenizer that helps prolong its life:

1. Scheduling inspections

Scheduled inspection is pivotal to ensure that the laboratory tissue homogenizer stays in good shape. You can schedule weekly, monthly, or yearly maintenance based on the condition of the equipment and its functionality. With these inspections, you will find it easier to spot the issues and conduct maintenance tasks to make sure that the homogenizer delivers the desired outcome. Usually high-speed tissue homogenizers require inspection more frequently compared to those that function under low-pressure.

2. Storing the homogenizer

It is not just about maintaining the equipment but storing it properly makes a difference as well.  So, what are the storing techniques of the equipment you need to follow?  The first step is storing the homogenizer in cool and dry environment and far away from moist and humid places that may damage the motor coils and electrical components.

Furthermore, one needs to safeguard the device from contaminants and dust. The best solution is to cover the machine with a protective cover to prevent the dust from not entering the motor or probes. Finally, the components of the device like the adapters, additional rotors, and probes stay inside dedicated storage cases. Not handing the smaller parts of the device properly may lead to incessant damage.

3. Cleaning and sanitisation of the equipment

Just like other laboratory devices, a high-speed tissue homogenizer needed in the field of biomedical research must undergo regular cleaning. Naturally, after using the device each time, cleaning ensures that you can eliminate the chances of contamination, maintain the functionality of the motor as well as the other components. Although special cleaners may be needed for removing the tissue or protein buildup, you must avoid using harsh chemicals for cleaning may degrade the quality of parts, especially the metal-made components. After cleaning, the components must be made dry to prevent corrosion and rusting.

4. Maintaining and lubricating the moving parts

Some of these devices contain moving parts like shafts and motors which when not lubricated properly might result in wear and tear. However, do not over-lubricate the device as it may attract more contaminants and dust, resulting in corrosion and clogging. So, try to apply only a small amount of lubricant and check the parts for overheating. Overheating in a high speed tissue homogenizer may lead to reduced performance or failure of motor.

5. Maintaining the motor and electrical system

Are you aware that the motor is the heart and soul of the homogenizer? If you aren’t, you need to conduct proper maintenance of these systems for the equipment to function properly. The motor also attracts debris and dust that often accumulates in the housing, which may result in short circuit and overheating. So, the housing must stay clean.

Besides, the electrical cables need to be examined for signs of corrosion, wear and tear as well as fraying. So, the moment you notice any damage, you must replace them as soon as possible to keep the chances of faults at bay. At the end, check the power supply thoroughly to ensure that it is stable and consistent. Power interruptions or surges may result in permanent damage.

6. Follow the specifications during usage

High speed tissue homogenizers are used for specific purposes. However, researchers often mishandle this device or rely on them beyond the recommended usage. That is why you must never overload the machine with enormous samples as it will strain the motor and lower the lifespan of the device. Furthermore, the tissues must undergo adequate preparation based on the guidelines of the manufacturer for proper homogenization.

So, you are familiar with all those maintenance tips that are going to play a key role in extending the life of your laboratory tissue homogenizer. You need to simply dedicate your time and effort to keep the device functioning properly for years. At IGene Labserve, we have mastered the art of manufacturing top-grade laboratory equipment. So, just take a look here https://www.igenels.com/ and order right away.

Real Time PCR Vs Traditional PCR: A Guide to Choosing the Right One for Your Lab

 

Polymerase chain reaction or PCR is a technique used in molecular biology to analyse and enlarge RNA and DNA samples. It is widely used for conducting research, maintaining quality control, and in the field of diagnostics. However, when buying a PCR machine, you may feel confused when choosing between traditional or real-time machine. There are differences between traditional or endpoint PCR and real-time or quantitative PCR machine. You need to know the differences between the devices to understand which one is the right fit for your laboratory.

What is a traditional PCR machine?

Traditional PCR is a well-established and familiar technique that has been used in laboratories for decades. It helps augment the RNA and DNA sequence through repetition of cooling and heating cycles. That way, the DNA strands become separated and aid in DNA replication. Once the cycles are completed, the visualisation process takes place through gel electrophoresis.

The products that have been amplified are then stained with a dye; thereafter the intensity of bands on the gel shows the quantity of enlarged DNA. Although the traditional PCR machine performs reliably and has been used in research, forensic science, and diagnostics for a long time, it fails to meet the gaps when it comes to quantitative analysis and real-time data acquisition. So, when buying the best PCR machine for labs, you need to analyse the features and specifications of both to make an informed decision.

What is a real-time PCR?

A real-time PCR machine also called quantitative PCR scores over the traditional machine in several different ways. When using this machine, you need not wait until the completion of PCR to analyse and amplify DNA but come to know about the quantification when the DNA is amplified. This is possible through the monitoring of fluorescence that emits during the amplification process and provides continuous data in real-time. The fluorescence generates due to specific dyes that usually bind to the target DNA. Now, when the reaction progresses further, the fluorescence emitted binds with the quantity of DNA that undergoes amplification and eliminate the need to wait for the completion of PCR.

Undoubtedly, real-time PCR is a highly versatile method and extensively used for gene expression analysis, detection of mutation, viral load, and more.  The ability of this machine to measure DNA and RNA in real-time makes it a valuable tool for clinicians and researchers.

Understanding the key differences between traditional and real-time PCR

Here are the differences between real-time and traditional PCR machine:

• Quantification

1. The traditional PCR is limited when providing qualitative data and helps you identify whether a particular DNA sequence is present or absent in the sample. However, it cannot tell the amount of DNA in real-time and you need to wait till the completion of PCR analysis. Naturally, the quantification of DNA is not precise.
2. Real time PCR helps in precise quantification of data. The fluorescence that emits during the process of amplification allows researchers measure the amount of RNA and DNA within the samples at each cycle.

 

• Detection method

1. The traditional PCR is a highly sensitive machine and can detect even the lowest amount of DNA but it is restrained by post-PCR analysis. Naturally, it cannot detect low quantity of the target DNA.
2. Real-time PCR is relatively more sensitive compared to the traditional PCR. As DNA amplification is constantly monitored, DNA and RNA can be detected early in low-quantity samples.

 

• Effective timing

1. Traditional PCR takes a few hours to complete and you need to wait until post-PCR analysis to visualise the results. Naturally, you need more time to complete the entire experiment.
2. Real-time PCR delivers quick results as the quantification and amplification process takes place simultaneously. So, there is no need for you to wait until post PCR analysis. Naturally, the time taken is less, especially for high-throughput applications.

 

• Cost

1. The traditional PCR machines are more affordable compared to real-time PCR systems. However, you need to spend additionally for consumables, gel electrophoresis reagents like agarose gel and DNA staining agents. Therefore, the traditional PCR machines may add to the cost due to these requirements.
2. Real-time PCR machines are more expensive than traditional machines in terms of investment and maintenance but the accuracy of data justifies the cost to a great extent. So, if you analyse the real-time PCR machine benefits that way, making an informed decision is easier.

When choosing between traditional and real-time PCR machines, a lot depends on the specific requirements of the laboratory. So, if you are working with samples with low RNA and DNA abundance, real-time PCR machine is the right choice. However, if you are conducting basic DNA analysis where the most important thing is the absence and presence of a specific DNA sequence, the traditional PCR machine is more important. At IGene Labserve, we sell top-notch quality of laboratory equipment. Just explore the models here https://www.igenels.com/ and order the equipment you need right away.

How Bead Beater Homogenizers Improve Protein Yield and Minimize Sample Degradation?

 

Protein extraction is one of the most crucial steps in various biotechnological and biochemical research in laboratories. The aim of this procedure is extracting proteins from biological samples while maintaining their functionality and integrity for further analysis. That is how bead beater homogenizers have emerged as an essential tool in the process of protein extraction. The efficiency of a bead beater homogenizer is revolutionizing the field of biotechnology to a great extent.

Let us find out how a bead beating homogenizer improves the efficiency of protein extraction:

1.      Mitigating  contamination of samples

Any research worker is familiar with how sample contamination can affect the reliability and quality of protein extraction. Bead beating homogenizers are highly effective for cell disruption within a closed system, thereby reducing cross-contamination between samples. Usually, homogenizers have single-use tubes for running the operations and reduce the chances of contamination greatly. That way, homogenizers are perfect for all those applications where sample integrity and purity plays a vital role. No wonder these devices are worthy of use in high-precision experiments and proteomics.

2.      Disruption of cells

One of the major challenges of protein extraction is breaking the cells to allow them to release proteins. With bead beating homogenizers, you can expect mechanical agitation occurring at the highest speed and create maximum impact by shaking small beads within the sample. When these beads confront and collide with the cell, it leads to mechanical disruption of membranes and cell walls. In this manner, its efficiency becomes noticed when breaking tough cell walls in bacterial samples as well as cell walls in plants. Moreover, cell lysis efficiency also improves radically, ensuring maximum yield of proteins. However, you need to follow bead beater homogenizer protocol for desired outcome.

3.      Versatility and scalability

Bead beating homogenizers are available in a wide range of models to process different sizes of samples. So, whether it is for large or small quantities of samples needed for laboratory applications, you just need to check if it is the right model to sit your needs. 

Due to versatility and scalability of the right model of bead beating homogenizer, it has come to be one of the most indispensable tools in various production settings and laboratories. No matter what your requirements are for processing the smallest amount of protein or up to several litres of samples, bead beaters are capable of producing the most efficient results. For same sample sizes, the model chosen ensures high level of standardization.

4.      Consistency of results

Achieving consistent results is the key to any scientific process. Bead beating homogenizers make the disruption process uniform for varied range of samples, ensuring consistency during the extraction of proteins. Wondering how? The mechanical force that the device applies on the samples is distributed evenly, allowing it to create the best results. The perfect blend of bead size, time, and speed can be fine-tuned in this device to boost the process of extraction. Due to this consistency of results, the bead beater homogenizer proves its usage in clinical and research settings in the field of biotechnology.

5.      Time is of essence

Just like several other processes in the field of biotechnology, bead beating homogenizers can rev up the protein extraction process. However, you cannot achieve the desired outcome unless you understand the significance of time. That is why bead beating homogenizers are being extensively used today; the fast mechanical action of the beads moves ahead for faster protein release and lysis, reducing the processing time greatly. The enhanced efficiency level can be greatly reduced in high-throughput applications where sensitivity of time plays a significant role. Researchers too are keener to use this device in place achieve time-sensitive results when process a large number of samples in record time.

6.      Reduces protein degradation

Degradation of proteins poses a serious risk during protein extraction, resulting in the loss of valuable samples. The advantage of using the bead beating homogenizer is that it helps adjust the intensity and speed of the beating process, allowing researchers break the cells.

This is especially important to ensure that the proteins remain intact during the process of homogenization. It serves as a perfect device during isolation of sensitive proteins where preservation of downstream applications is crucial like in mass spectrometry, Western blotting, and enzyme assays.

Bead beater homogenizers have transformed the way protein extraction takes place in laboratories.  Undoubtedly, it improves the efficiency of protein yield with high scalability and processing times. With the rising demand of high-quality protein extraction, it’s time to explore bead beater homogenizer price to get the right device for your laboratory. IGene Labserve is one of the most trusted places to order the best-quality laboratory equipment. Navigate here to explore the specifications of various models and create a revolution in proteomics.

3 Common Fume Hood Errors You Must Avoid to Ensure Lab Safety

 

Fume hoods is among the safety devices used in laboratory settings. Unfortunately, even the best make and model of laboratory fume hoods may fall short of efficiency and safety when you fail to comply with the safety protocols within the laboratory. Keep in mind that the slightest mistake in handling the fume hood may lead to dangerous consequences.

So, here is a lie up of the fume hood mistakes and what you should do about them:

1.      Not having the training to handle the fume hood

You might have been working in the laboratory for a long time ad have a wealth of knowledge about the device and how they run. However, that does not certify that you are good to handle the fume hood as well. Anyone handling this device needs to have adequate training. That way, they won’t put the samples as well the workspace exposed to risks. If you have new people joining the laboratory research team, make sure to train them adequately and give them necessary instructions about mishandling the equipment.

2.      Not maintaining the required distance from the fume hood

One of the major lab safety errors that occur when working with a fume hood is not maintaining a safe distance from the fume hood.  In the event of fire or explosion, the people working near the fume hood are prone to sustain maximum injuries. A laboratory must not allow more people to stay near the fume hood, especially near the opening. A good way to prevent accidents would be placing the hood face in a location so that people don’t need to come in front of it.

Apart from this, you must ensure that things are not taken out of the hood and no ventilation is directed toward it like the HVAC ductwork or portable fans. It might disrupt the airflow and allow the contaminants to come out and cause exposure. Even the chemicals used need to be kept at a safe distance about six inches away from the face opening to maximise safety.

3.      Not testing the fume hood regularly

You need to follow several guidelines and comply with the safety standards when working with the hood. Among the most important safety protocols you need to follow is not testing the hood regularly. With this, you can ensure that the equipment is in good working order, capable of complying with the safety regulations, and can safeguard the workers as well as the quality of the samples. It is not hard to avoid these mistakes; all that is needed is proper knowledge for protecting laboratories and handling the fume hood.

4.      Storing chemicals inside the hood for  long period

You can store chemicals inside the laboratory fume hood when it is in operation but they are conventionally not designed for storing chemicals. When items are kept within the hood, it can cause unnecessary turbulence. As a result, the contaminants may spill out of the equipment. Typically, the airflow that comes out of the hood is stronger than what is required for storing closed containers. If you have concerns about storing chemicals, it needs to stay within safety cabinet that are approved for this purpose.

5.      Handling emergencies

Safety of fume hoods is crucial and is centred on technical expertise. Laboratory worker need to have proper training and education to keep mistakes at bay. However, accidents may still occur and pose risks to workers. Fr instance, if an employee notices chemical spills coming out of the equipment, the matter is to be immediately reported to the supervisors and everyone who are in charge of the laboratory. The first thing to do is deactivation of the device immediately when you notice signs of trouble.

Fume hoods are an integral part of most laboratories. So, using it properly ensures that it operates efficiently and the lab spared of risks that may lead to accidents. Every laboratory worker needs to ensure safe working environment in the laboratory and avoid the basis errors in handling the equipment.

Aare you looking forward to ordering a new fume hood that is safe and reliable for laboratory usage?  At IGene Labserve, we manufacture top-grade lab equipment and cater to a wide clientele. Get in touch with us here https://www.igenels.com/ to explore laboratory fume hoods and place the order today.

How to Effectively Use the Water Bath in the Laboratory for Optimal Results?

 

A shaking water bath is used for mixing and agitating samples in a water bath under controlled temperature. Compared to other types of incubators, water baths transfer heat more quickly and effectively. Moreover, heat loss can also be minimised even when the enclosure of the incubator stays open. Therefore, the equipment is ideal for all those applications that require quick incubation with minimal temperature changes.

The water bath shaker is the right choice for moving liquids as they come with the shaking control. With continued shaking, the liquid-grown cells mix with air and the heating element stays submerged in water and maintains the temperature at a constant range.

What are the uses of water baths?

What is the purpose of using water baths in laboratories? Well, the primary usage of the equipment is heating the samples in a laboratory. The samples containing flammable chemicals when heated in an open flame are exposed to risks of combustion.

Water bath shaker are appropriate for moving the samples and keeping them in consistent motion during the heating stage. A majority of these devices are ideal for heating samples that stay at a temperature between five to ninety-nine degrees Celsius. For heating anything beyond 100 degrees Celsius, sand or silicone bath is ideal.

How does the water bath work?

You are familiar with the shaking bath and how it maintains temperature consistency when samples are heated but here is how exactly the device functions:

·         The equipment has a temperature sensor which transfers the temperature of the water to the resistance value

·         The control signal or the output regulates the heat power in an efficient manner for the heating tube

While performing these functions, the temperature in the water bath stays constant.

Tips to set up the water bath

Before heating the samples, you need to prepare the water bath adequately so that it functions appropriately to meet your needs. Here is how you need to set up the water bath:

·         When preparing the laboratory shaker, you need to fill it up with distilled water to the desired level

·         Once the container is filled, you can switch the device on and set the temperature on the temperature controller

·         Allow the water to reach the desired temperature level and the time take will depend on how much is your desired level of heat

·         Use a thermometer to measure the temperature of the water and if it is at the desired level, you can then start working with the water bath

Things to keep in mind when using the water bath

Using the water bath shaker is easy. All you can do is follow the lab equipment guide at first to get surer about the mechanism. That way, you can prevent damaging the samples or compromise their integrity. Read below to understand the basic steps you need to follow when using shaking water baths:

·         Keep the surrounding area clean and dry

·         Plug the device to a power supply

·         Check the temperature of the water and ensure that it reaches the desired level and cover the heating element

·         Switch on the device and set the temperature control to the desired level

·         Wait for the thermostat to attain enough heat

·         As soon as the heating mechanism begins, insert the samples inside carefully while the temperature sensor maintains regulate the temperature when the device is in use

·         After using the water bath, you need to remove the samples and switch off the device

Summarising shaking water bath

Here is the synopsis of shaking water bath:

·         It allows samples to shake continuously for  long time under controlled temperature conditions due to precisely-controlled shaking features

·         Due to continuous shaking, the liquid grown cell culture mixes with the air and boosts cell growth

·         Temperature can be easily adjusted due to the high-precision control

·         The flask holding clamps act as accessories and gabled lid prevents the condensate to drip on to the sample directly

·         The other features include a user-friendly keypad for easy operation and streamlined bath drains

Water bath uses

What are the major water bath uses? Read below to know more:

1.      It helps in improving the solubility of substances that are not easily soluble

2.      It is used for melting substances and heating the laboratory reagents

3.      The device is used for heating flammable substances that might be exposed to combustion in open flame

4.      It is extensively used for cell culture in laboratories

Every standard laboratory is equipped with water bath and they are not only used for heating samples but perform so many other options. So, if you need to get one to fulfil your needs, connect with IGene Labserve, one of the leading laboratory equipment manufacturers. Explore the equipment here https://www.igenels.com/ before you buy.