Any researcher who has had to crack cells by bead beating or vortexer knows the difficulty of processing multiple samples. Basically bead beating is slow and laborious. With many assays taking on the format of a microwell plate, bead beating becomes even more difficult. Sonication is an alternative, though not a good one.

To solve this problem, the GenoGrinder was developed to "bead beat" in the microplate format. The GenoGrinder was originally developed to smash seeds for genetic analysis, but we have demonstrated that it can be applied to the disruption of bacteria and fungi as well. Unlike other bead mills, the GenoGrinder has a perfect vertical stroke that allows the grinding beads to impact the sample and not the walls of the plate. Other bead beaters use the "paint shaker" motion, i.e., a figure "8" motion, which causes the grinding beads to deflect off the well walls causing them to lose energy. The GenoGrinder avoids this problem.

2010 Geno/Grinder

In our labs we have used the GenoGrinder for smashing seeds for GMO analysis, cracking yeast and fungi, and for the disruption of biofilms cultured in 96-well plates. This mill allows for high throughput as compared to the manual alternative. We actively use and support this product.


Candida sp. before grinding	.	Candida sp. after grinding.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

The 2010 GenoGrinder is an updated model of the original GenoGrinder 2000 laboratory mill. It is specifically designed for vigorous vertical shaking of deep-well plates. It was originally designed to prepare plant tissue for extractions of nucleic acid, protein, and other constituents by shaking the tissue, steel balls and a buffering agent together in each well of a titer plate. The application of this tool can be expanded to include microorganisms when small silica beads are used instead of steal grinding balls. Microbes can be disrupted in standard 96-well plates as opposed to deep well plates.

Sample material that can be prepared includes bacteria, yeasts, molds, seeds, stems, roots, leaves, and certain animal tissue. Because the unique vertical shaking motion of the GenoGrinder is so strong, many seeds and other forms of plant tissue can also be pulverized dry in plates with the help of one or two grinding balls per well.

SAMPLE CONTAINERS

While the GenoGrinder clamp is designed to hold two standard deep-well titer plates, it can adapt to anything of the same general dimensions (5 in. long x 3 in. wide x 2 in. high). This includes any standard microwell plate, racks which hold multiple individual vials, and other possible configurations. The GenoGrinder is supplied with height adjustment spacers of different thickness to accommodate different sample holders with heights up to 2 1/4 inches.

In addition to microwell plates, 24 Well Vial Set are available for the dry grinding of seeds (e.g., corn and soy). This Vial Set System includes racked vials, a 24 pin magnet, and magnet stand/separator. This system allows for the high throughput homogenization of seeds.

24 Well PC Vial Set

24 Pin Magnet for Ball Removal

Pulverized corn via Vial Set

CONTROLS

A digital timer displays both the full timer setting along with the minutes and seconds remaining in the grinding cycle. An adjustable dial allows the operator to set the precise stroke rate between 500 and 1750 strokes per minute.

SAFETY FEATURES

The GenoGrinder cabinet has two safety interlocks, a lockdown latch, and a pneumatic cylinder to stabilize the lid movement. The clamping mechanism latches have secondary locking tabs for additional safety.

SPECIFICATIONS

SP-2010-115: For 115 V/60 Hz operation.

DIMENSIONS: 15" W x 20.5" D x 25.25" H

WEIGHT: 75 lbs.

MOTOR: 1/3 HP

POWER CORD: 3-prong grounded plug for 115 V/60 Hz version, 2-prong European plug for 230 V/50 Hz version

CLAMP MOVEMENT: 1.25 in. (3.2 cm) vertical

CLAMP SPEED: Adjustable from 500 to 1750 strokes/minute

TIMER: Digital in minutes: seconds, maximum 5 minutes (typical running times are under 2 minutes)

Price

GenoGrinder 2010
120

230 (non-CE)

SP2010-115
SP2010-230

$13,250

$13,250

Contact us so we can help you in determining the best method for homogenizing your samples. We will process your samples in our lab and provide you with insights for your sample prep process.

(For a complete list of products see www.opsdiagnostics.com.

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