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All You Need to Know About Microorganism Homogenization

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Deb Shechter
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May 24, 2016
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1
min read
All You Need to Know About Microorganism Homogenization

Microorganisms like fungi, yeast, and bacteria comprise the vast majority of living things on Earth. Their contents are also key to research in most industries, meaning that effective disruption of their walls is of high interest to scientists and researchers. Below is a guide to effective disruption for each of the major types of microorganisms.

Fungus

With tough cell walls protecting valuable intracellular components, hydrolytic enzyme treatment is an effective first step. However, the diversity of fungal species means that a single mixing technique will not work for every organism. The most reliable method, therefore, is a homogenization process that is customizable; the user can then troubleshoot to find an optimal setting for any given fungal species. (1)

Yeast

As with fungi, yeast disruption can be initiated through the action of hydrolytic enzymes. The most widely used method for yeast cells is agitation with glass beads, although the breakage yield can be as low as 50%. High pressure homogenization is a feasible alternative that uses high pressure, rather than heat, to achieve a more sufficient percentage of cells lysed. (2)

Bacteria/Mycobacteria

When trying to isolate nucleic acids, bacteria can be easily disrupted with simple enzyme/detergent treatment. Gram negative bacterium may only require detergent exposure and not prior enzyme treatment, as compared with Gram positive bacterium that require both enzymes and detergent. When working with a new sample, it is therefore important to always troubleshoot the most effective method. For isolation of proteins or other intracellular contents, other methods like homogenization will be more appropriate.

Algae

Algal oil is enclosed within algae cells, and can be used for production of biofuels and other environmentally-friendly products. As with the above microorganisms, the intracellular components of an algae cell are protected by a rigid cell wall. Many scientists who work with algal oil use high pressure homogenization to effectively rupture its cells; this technique is particularly beneficial in its ability to be easily scaled.

Pion: Homogenizers That Effectively Disrupt Cells

Researchers who require lysates from microorganisms should have a laboratory homogenizer available. On determining which homogenizer will be right for your lab, begin your search with Pion's BEE brand technology. We are globally recognized among laboratory managers and researchers for our high quality products and excellent customer support. Cell lysis is just one of a variety of applications for Pion's BEE brand homogenizers; nano/micro emulsions, lipids, suspensions, and dispersions are also easily achievable. Additionally, the homogenizer processes can be controlled to suit your product, which will allow you to customize to your cell type. And finally, the equipment is easy to use, produces higher yield in less time, and achieves results that are reproducible and scalable.

Learn more about how to effectively lyse your microorganism sample by contacting us here!

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