BEE International Blog

When choosing a homogenizer for a particular application, it’s important to first understand the differences among solutions, colloids and suspensions. Each is a type of mixture, and a mixture is one of the end results of the homogenization process. Thus, picking the right homogenizer directly influences the quality of the mixture you create.

What are the Difference Among Solutions, Colloids and Suspensions?

A solution is a homogenous mixture where one substance (the solute) is completed dissolved into another (the solvent). Solutions can be a combination of any two phases (solid, liquid or gas), but they always result in a single, continuous one. A colloid, on the other hand, is a heterogenous mixture with particles that are bigger (1-1,000 nm) than those of a solution (<1 nm) but smaller than those in a suspension; because of their size, particles in a colloid do not allow light to pass through the mixture, instead scattering it back outward in a process known as the Tyndall Effect. They are not so big, however, that they aren’t able to stay fully mixed, with components unable to be separated by filtration, time or rest. Last, but not least, a suspension is also a heterogenous mixture. Its particles are bigger than those found in both solutions and colloids; they are so large, in fact, that gravity is able to pull them down and settle them at the bottom of the mixture when it’s not being actively mixed.

What Should You Look for in a Homogenizer for Colloidal Suspensions

Colloidal mills are a type of “rotor-stator” or “high shear“ mixer specifically designed to work with colloid suspensions. As such, their function is to reduce particle size so that two substances can be mixed together more easily. The shearing force of the spinning rotor effectively disrupts molecular bonds within a sample and reduces particle size. They are most often used for mixing together two liquids, a solid with a liquid and/or highly viscous materials. However, colloid mills can’t be run continuously because they consume large amounts of energy, which could potentially contaminate any resulting product mixture. Thus, instead of assuming that a colloid mill is the only option for use with colloidal suspensions, users should consider a homogenizer that affirms the following questions:

Does it Reduce Particle Size? ✔️

Does it Reduce the Number of Passes? ✔️

Does it Help Preserve the Product? ✔️

Unlike a colloidal mill, a homogenizer is better able to reduce particle size so that resulting mixtures are much more consistent and uniform. Indeed, we believe our high pressure homogenizers here at BEE International are the best option for colloidal suspensions because they utilize a proprietary combination of high pressure, shear, cavitation, turbulence and impact force to break down and blend samples without the violence and possible degradation of product that can be associated with a singular shear force. Furthermore, our machines can be customized to control the duration, intensity and dominant force used at every stage of the mixing process, making it less likely that multiple passes will be needed to get a desired result. This saves you time and money.

Finally, all homogenizers help preserve products since they facilitate a tight distribution of particles; a tighter distribution of particles means there is more stability, allowing components of a sample to stay bound for longer periods of time and, thus, engendering the improved viscosity, consistency, texture, appearance and flavor (when applicable), as well as the bioavailability, of the products being made. High pressure homogenizers like ours even kill harmful microbes that frequently jeopardize the colloid suspension’s shelf life and quality.

Want to Learn More?

Picking a homogenizer to use with colloidal suspensions is best determined by its ability to confer the most benefits. In addition to generating well mixed samples, a BEE International high pressure homogenizer offers tighter particle distribution, improved stability, better preservation and increased manufacturing productivity when compared to other types of homogenizers and mixers. Contact us to learn more.

Unless you’re in the homogenizer-making business (like we are), you might not realize the vast variety of homogenizers that exist. Homogenizers come in all shapes and sizes, from small, handheld whisks to large, industrial machines that exceed the size of some cars! Depending on the desired effect, as well as the volume and consistency of the sample being processed, researchers and manufacturers choose certain types of homogenizers to use over others; one such example is the tissue tearor. Take a look at the three most common questions people have about tissue tearors, along with our answers:

What is a Tissue Tearor?

There are three basic kinds of homogenizers: mechanical, ultrasonic and pressure homogenizers. A tissue tearor is a mechanical homogenizer (specifically a rotor-stator one) that is used to homogenize soft tissue samples.

How Does a Tissue Tearor Work?

As a rotor-stator homogenizer, a tissue tearor uses a quickly spinning blade (rotor) inside a fixed shaft (stator) to facilitate the lysing of cells, as well as the homogenization of soft tissue samples. The rotor-stator unit (probe) is attached to a motor and can be changed according to the size and type of sample being processed, with different rotor diameters, lengths and blade tips offering different effects. As the rotor rotates within the stator, the resulting suction force pulls the sample (and the liquid in which it has been placed) up and and back out through openings within the stator, effectively shearing the sample. In addition, the rapid collision of the solid blade with the fast-moving liquid/sample mixture creates a change in pressure that leads to the formation of vapor bubbles. These gas-filled cavities expand and eventually collapse, causing a shock wave that further breaks apart the sample in a process known as cavitation. Between the shearing and cavitation forces, tissue tearors are well-suited to homogenize samples with a viscosity up to approximately 10,000 centipoises (such as molasses or syrup).

What are the Drawbacks of Tissue Tearors?

Most tissue tearors are best-suited to processing liquid samples up to 1 liter in volume and must be matched to the type of tissue being processed since using too much or too thick of a sample could degrade the homogenizing process altogether. Furthermore, using too small or too large of a tissue homogenizer with the wrong type of probe tip (flat bottom vs. sawtooth) could lead to increased processing times and additional heat generation, thus compounding sample degradation and leading to ineffective homogenization, as well.

Have More Questions?

Of course, these are just a few of the initial questions you might have while learning about homogenizers and their applications. If you have more, please contact our team here at BEE International. We can help you consider the pros and cons of all homogenizing systems so that you are able to choose the right and most affordable equipment for your own unique needs.

Feel free to also download our complimentary eBook, "7 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cell Lysis Method," for additional information about cell lysis and tissue homogenization.

Homogenization is the process by which a sample is broken into identical parts so that removing one portion of it does not disrupt and still accurately reflects the remaining sample’s molecular composition. In many instances, it is also used to thoroughly mix together naturally immiscible substances; when a sample is reduced to tiny, uniform pieces, it is easier for manufacturers and scientists to combine it with another sample, creating many of the products used across a wide variety of industries.

Here’s a brief overview of the purpose of homogenization:

To Reduce Particle Size

First and foremost, the purpose of homogenization is to reduce the size of the particles making up a sample. In simple terms, it’s a bit like taking a boulder and smashing it into gravel, except, in this case, the gravel pieces would be all the same size and shape. During homogenization, many samples can be reduced to nanometer-sized particles. This makes it easier for manufacturers to produce things like adhesives, resins, paints and creams/lotions and guarantee that they work.

To Lyse Cells

For the molecular and cellular biology fields, one of the most common purposes of homogenization is to breach the cell wall and/or membrane and expose the intracellular contents of cells. This is necessary when scientists need to make biological samples for further study, experimentation and research.

To Kill Pathogens

One the the added benefits of many homogenization techniques is the destruction of pathogens within a sample. There are several kinds of homogenizers (mechanical, high pressure and ultrasonic), each using one or more specific types of force. As a by-product of the processing method each force facilitates, many homogenizers render samples with varying levels of sterility. For instance, high pressure homogenizers can effectively kill microorganisms in food samples. Other homogenizers that produce high levels of heat (most mechanical homogenizers) can kill various pathogens, as well, but the accompanying heat frequently degrades the overall sample. Thus, it’s important to pick the right kind of homogenizing equipment if product sterility is a requisite goal.

To Facilitate Stable Emulsions and Dispersions

Finally, the purpose of most homogenizers is to mix substances well. Reducing the size of the particles in a substance allows it to more readily and easily combine with the particles of another substance. It also allows all of the particles to remain mixed for a longer period of time. This is especially important for products that need to be consistent in appearance, taste, texture, viscosity and/or nutritional value for the length of their shelf lives, like cosmetics, food and beverage items and pharmaceuticals.

The BEE International Advantage

Homogenization offers a host of benefits, and we here at BEE International believe our high pressure homogenizers are the best choice, offering advantages that would otherwise necessitate the purchase of multiple types of equipment instead of just one! Our patented Emulsifying Cell (EC) technology, along with our proprietary combination of multiple homogenizing forces, mean our homogenizers have the ability to create more stable products with longer shelf lives in shorter amounts of time with fewer passes than our competition. Please contact us to capitalize on all the purposes of homogenization or if you're interested in the particle size reduction side of homogenization, download our free eBook now:

There are many types of homogenizers. From basic blenders to refrigerator-sized ultrasonic equipment, different homogenizers work in and for a variety of different applications. This means choosing the right homogenizer for a specific job is a critical one. Pick the wrong homogenizer and you risk less than optimal results, some of which can cost you valuable time and money, as well as jeopardize the integrity of the products you create and/or the health of the people you serve.

In this blog, we take a look at high shear homogenizers. Also known as rotor-stator homogenizers, high shear mixers are one specific kind of mechanical homogenizer.
Mechanical homogenizers, as opposed to high pressure or ultrasonic ones, use a physical force to break apart a substance; in this case, a rapidly spinning rotor draws a sample into a stationary outer sheath (called a “stator”), where it is then pushed through many small openings and broken into small pieces. The rotor’s pull and the stator’s expulsion creates a significant force that consequently shears the sample apart, permitting it to be mixed more effectively in subsequent applications as needed. But while high shear mixers can be applied in a variety of ways with several associated benefits, a few potential issues do exist. Take a look at the pros and cons of the high shear homogenizer:

The Pros of High Shear Homogenizers

High shear homogenizers operate at a high velocity to pull, push and break apart a sample. Thus, they generate substantially smaller particles than some other kinds of homogenizers and are an especially good option for the following applications:

1. 1. Particle Size Reduction/Sub-Micron Homogenization

   2. Soft Tissue Homogenization

   3. Emulsification

   4. Cell Disruption and/or Isolation

   5. Organelle Extraction

Furthermore, high shear homogenizers often generate favorable results in a relatively short amount of time with minimal residual heat produced. Many models can be customized according to sample volume, rotor speed, processing time and energy input, with the option of using different probes to afford different effects being one of their most appealing and useful qualities.

The Cons of High Shear Homogenizers

On the other hand, high shear mixers are not very efficient with tough tissue samples, lysols or foams. And not all come with the probe(s) you will need for your specific task(s). Indeed, the fact that high shear homogenizers use probes at all means they are not as well-suited to processing large amounts of multiple samples at the same time since they have to be swapped out and cleaned between runs. In addition, because pieces of a sample must fit within the confines of the probe and its accompanying rotor and stator parts in order to be homogenized, some samples might need to be pre-processed, broken apart just so that they can fit into the homogenizer at all! Of course, should this circumstance arise, time-effective processing would obviously be negated. Finally, although high shear homogenizers don’t give off an excessive amount of heat, particularly temperature-sensitive samples might require that you add a cooling method to your homogenizing processes, thereby extending your processing time and costs.

The BEE International Difference

Picking the right homogenizer can be a tricky endeavor. If you need assistance matching your needs with the right piece of equipment, please contact a member of our team here at BEE International. We offer a variety of high-quality homogenizers featuring our proprietary and patented Emulsyfying Cell (EC) technology which, along with our combination of customizable forces (think: high shear meets sonication meets impact!) , guarantees you the most reliable and effective results no matter the application.

Feel free to also download our complimentary eBook, “7 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cell Lysis Method,” for additional tips on choosing a homogenizer that meets your needs and maximizes your resources.

Cell lysis is the process by which cell membranes are broken down so that the contents within the cell can be studied and/or purified. It’s a critical part of many industrial and research enterprises, often providing the only means by which certain products can be made or used. There are several different ways to lyse cells (broadly categorized as either mechanical or non-mechanical) with each type dependent on the makeup of the cellular barrier, as well as the intended application of the cellular contents themselves. For instance, some cell lysis methods are highly destructive and, thus, not suitable in situations where the contents of the cell need to remain intact to be serviceable (such as during RNA and protein extractions). Others only work when applied to weaker cell barriers (such as animal plasma membranes vs. plant cell walls), and still others have to be combined with additional processes in order to effectively open the cell at all. The good news is that a variety of homogenizers can lyse cells under a variety of circumstances. Read on to learn more.

Mechanical Cell Lysis Options with Homogenizers

Mechanical cell lysis utilizes a particular force (or forces) to physically break apart a cell. It differs from non-mechanical cell lysis in that it doesn’t rely on any added chemicals or enzymes to promote cell disruption, thus making it a better option for large samples with tough cell walls (plant, fungi, bacterial and algal, etc.) where sensitivity might not be as big an issue and when unwanted additives could contaminate the lysate. Here’s how different homogenizers lyse cells:

1. Agitation, Stirring, Shearing and Impact

Mechanical homogenizers like blenders, mortars and pestles, bead mills, rotor-stator homogenizers and blade homogenizers use a blade, probe or beads to generate turbulent mixing that breaks apart cellular membranes. These types of homogenizers are especially useful because they can be customized in various ways (according to sample size and viscosity, processing time and agitation speed, to name but a few), making it easier to ensure that an appropriate amount of force is applied in the least disruptive way. This not only saves valuable time and money, it better safeguards cellular contents.

2. High-Pressure

Other types of homogenizers — high pressure homogenizers or HPHs — apply pressure to lyse cells. By squeezing cell suspensions through a narrow opening, HPHs effectively disrupt cellular bonds, leaving the intracellular contents exposed.

3. Ultrasonic Sound Waves 

Finally, some homogenizers make use of high frequency sound waves to create microbubbles within a cell suspension that expand, coalesce and then burst, causing cells to break apart. These types of homogenizers are known as ultrasonic homogenizers and are especially useful because the frequency and strength of the waves can be adjusted for both small and large samples, as well as a range of cell types. In addition, the amount of ultrasonic force can be amplified (or not) depending on the type of cellular barrier (i.e., more force can be applied when the sample is a plant cell and less when it is an animal one).

Ready to Learn More?

You need the right equipment to lyse cells. Different homogenizing methods offer different advantages and disadvantages. The key is matching the best process to your application and your available resources. We believe our homogenizers here at BEE International provide you with the most optimal solution because our patented Emulsifying Cell (EC) system provides you with options that a singular type of homogenizing system would not. With our machines you can combine and customize homogenizing forces so that your cell lysis processes are effective and profitable. Contact us to learn more.

You might also wish to download our free eBook, “7 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing A Cell Lysis Method,” for additional information.

If you had to write down a list of the qualities that all great products possess, what words would you choose? You’d probably start with functionality — a good product needs to serve a purpose. You’d also want it to taste or look or perform well. You might write down “value” and “sustainability.” And maybe you’d throw in “superior customer support.” While all of these characteristics accurately describe great products — no matter the industry — perhaps the most important one would be “reliability.” Great products are great only if they can be produced over and over again. For many industries (such as the food, pharmaceutical, chemical and biotech ones), great products depend on being mixed in the right way so that they appear and function the same way every time a new batch exits the manufacturing line. For colloidal suspensions, like those found in many food items and cosmetics, this means that they don’t separate or deteriorate while sitting on a shelf or in a drawer. Take a look at how you improve colloidal suspensions by using a high quality homogenizer:

Reduction of Particle Size

Put simply, homogenizers break apart substances. By disrupting a sample’s molecular bonds, homogenizers reduce particle size and facilitate the effective mixing of all the sample’s components. And clearly, smaller pieces make better mixtures. However, while most homogenizers utilize only one type of force to break apart and mix a sample (pressure, cavitation, turbulence, shear, or impact), our homogenizers here at BEE International are unique. Our equipment combines high pressure with all the other forces so that covalent bonds are less violently disrupted (thus, preserving other key elements), particle size is further reduced and components of a sample are more thoroughly mixed. Our proprietary homogenizing system has the added benefit of being completely customizable, allowing operators the ability to manage the duration, intensity and dominant force used at every stage of the mixing process.

Reduction of the Number of Passes

Furthermore, if a homogenizer does its job well, you don’t need to repeatedly pass product through its system for maximum results. Thus, fewer production passes means saved time and saved money, especially when used for large-scale manufacturing runs.

Preservation and Extension of Shelf Life

Another benefit of homogenization is its ability to help preserve products by creating a tighter distribution of very small particles. A tighter distribution of particles equates to more surface area on which chemical reactions can occur, with the result being better stability. Indeed, a tight distribution of particles helps mixtures stay coalesced for longer periods of time (i.e., better viscosity, consistency, texture, appearance and/or flavor), improves chemical reactions (i.e., better absorption and bioavailability) and eliminates volatile organic compounds (VOCs). When high pressure homogenization (HPH) is specifically used to mix colloidal suspensions, benefits are further compounded, as HPH acts as a preservation method, its intense pressure killing harmful microorganisms that could threaten the colloid suspension’s overall quality and length of its usefulness.

The BEE International Advantage

All industries need reliable products to be successful. If you’re in a business or research setting that requires you to mix together substances, you need equipment that ensures you the smallest particles and, therefore, the highest quality solutions and colloidal suspensions. Our patented Emulsifying Cell (EC) technology guarantees scale-up to production and reproduces reliable results. Every. Single. Time. Contact us to learn why manufacturers, researchers and lab managers around the world trust our equipment with their needs.

Please also download our free eBook, “Advantages of BEE Homogenizers for the Pharmaceutical Industry,” for more specific information about the benefit of using homogenizers within the pharmaceutical industry.

All homogenizers work to disrupt molecular bonds so that two substances can be thoroughly mixed together. The force used to facilitate such mixtures varies; the most basic way to separate different types of homogenizers is by labeling them either mechanical (those using physical forces such as agitation, stirring, shearing and/or impact to break covalent bonds), high pressure (those using pressure) or ultrasonic (those using sonic sound waves and cavitation). There are drawbacks and advantages to each type of homogenizer depending on your application and resources. In this post, we consider the greatest benefits to using an ultrasonic mixer (also known as a sonicator) for your homogenizing needs.

Ultrasonic Mixers are Versatile

All homogenizers can effectively mix liquids, and some can mix samples of a solid with a liquid; ultrasonic mixers do both. When ultrasonic waves are applied to a liquid medium, a cycle of alternating high and low pressure eventually creates vacuum bubbles. These bubbles grow and merge together, ultimately reaching a size that collapses and sends a shock wave through the mixture (i.e., cavitation). The effect of these shock waves, as well as the vibrating tip of the ultrasonic mixer itself, disrupts surrounding covalent bonds of a sample, making an ultrasonic mixer a valuable piece of equipment capable of dissolving a wide range of materials (even gummy bears!).

Ultrasonic Mixers are Easily Controlled

Many variables impact how well a homogenizer does its job. These include size, concentration and temperature of the sample; the shape, speed, amplitude, intensity, pressure and duration of the “agitator;” and the temperature, viscosity and volume of the medium (as well as the type of container that holds it). While these factors can be difficult to adjust when using other types of homogenizers, they are easily manipulated when using an ultrasonic mixer. Indeed, technicians, scientists and manufacturers can easily adjust any or all of these elements in order to enable light or vigorous agitation (i.e., homogenizing) based on the need at hand.

Ultrasonic Mixers Have Fewer Parts

It might not seem like a huge advantage, but having fewer parts means ultrasonic mixers are less difficult to clean and less challenging to repair. Consisting of only a power source, a converter (which transforms electrical energy into mechanical motion) and a probe, a sonicator doesn’t have much to maintain. There is little frictional wear of parts and no intricate parts to clean.

Want to Learn More?

Ultrasonic mixers are just one type of homogenizer. If you need assistance choosing a homogenizer that meets the requirements of your own application(s) and makes the most of your own resources, contact our team at BEE International. Our proprietary and patented equipment addresses a wide range of functions at a reasonable range of costs. Not only do our homogenizers create a tight distribution of small particles, they always scale up and reproduce reliable results. Whether used inline or for batch processing, our homogenizers can be trusted to deliver the finest quality emulsions and dispersions available time after time.

Homogenizer machines provide a number of benefits within a wide variety of industries. Whether used by a multi-million dollar dairy producer or a local boutique cosmetic company or countless types of businesses in between, homogenizers offer advantages that guarantee superior products no matter the application; when the stakes are especially high, they even help save lives. Just consider the pharmaceutical industry, where homogenizers are vital to the production of drugs tasked with maintaining or improving quality of life. In these instances, the value of a homogenizer machine can literally be the difference between life and death. Take a look at three ways homogenizers are used within the pharmaceutical industry:

To Maximize Stability

All homogenizers reduce particle size so that the elements of a substance can be more easily and more thoroughly mixed. In the pharmaceutical world, being able to break apart one part of a drug and completely meld it with another part is especially important because it increases the reliability of potency that good medicines should always deliver. Indeed, a stable (i.e., “invariable”) drug, when liquid, is often an emulsion in which two immiscible fluids have been forcibly combined in some way; they can also be dispersions of small, solid particles that have been mixed with a liquid. Shaking or stirring substances can produce brief periods of either type of mixture, but a homogenizer machine is the best way to effectuate an amalgamation that doesn’t eventually revert to the original states of the individual components. This is particularly significant as it allows manufacturers to guarantee the effectiveness of a drug’s impact while improving taste, appearance and viscosity along the way.

To Enhance Bioavailability

Stable drugs are able to provide greater bioavailabilty of their active ingredients. Their small particles allow a body to absorb a drug more quickly and more easily, thus enabling the drug to work more effectively overall.

To Extend Shelf Life

A homogenizer machine is vital for extending a product’s shelf life. As mentioned above, many energy sources can generate transitory fusion, but homogenizers so firmly reduce the size of and then bond components that any resulting pharmaceutical products they help produce last longer than those made via other mixing methods.

The BEE International Advantage

Homogenizer machines, especially high pressure ones like those designed and sold by our team here at BEE International, are vital to the production of a wide range of products, not least of which include those within the pharmaceutical industry. Our patented Emulsifying Cell (EC) technology incorporates shear, cavitation and impact to break down, mix and blend, helping you create quality drugs that last longer on the shelf and can be easily absorbed for maximum benefit in the least amount of time. If you are looking for a homogenizer machine that can transition you from concept, research and design to clinical trials, FDA approval and, finally, manufacturing, contact a member of our sales team. We can help you determine the right machine for your needs.

Please also download our free eBook, "Advantages of BEE Homogenizers for the Pharmaceutical Industry," for more information on the benefits of choosing one of our proprietary homogenizer machines.

Homogenizers come in a variety of shapes and sizes and operate under several different kinds of forces. The ultrasonic homogenizer is a specific type of homogenizer which uses ultrasonic waves and cavitation to force apart and reduce the size of particles (both liquid and solid) within a liquid substance.

The What

Also known as sonicators, ultrasonic homogenizers consist of three parts:

1. A generator, which supplies energy.
2. A converter, which converts and increases electrical energy into mechanical motion.
3. A horn, probe or tip, which when placed into a liquid moves in a rapid fashion and causes bubbles to form. These bubbles expand and contract, breaking apart the surrounding particles (called cavitation).

The Why

Of course, the goal of homogenization is not only to break apart, but to mix, particles. And in this sense, ultrasonic homogenizers hold an advantage, as their stimulation of cavitation so effectively disrupts molecular bonds that the total particle surface area is greatly increased. This is because breaking apart particles creates more particles with more surfaces. And when there is a greater total surface area and a tighter distribution of particles, there is improved opportunity for particle agglomeration and overall improved stability.

Furthermore, ultrasonic homogenizers have fewer parts to maintain and to clean, and they can be customized according to specific amplitude and pressure ranges, making them great choices for scientists and manufacturers wanting complete control over the cavitation process.

The When

Ultrasonic homogenizers can be used to homogenize samples, lyse cells, reduce particle size, extract biological material, refine chemical processes and more, but only with liquid (or mostly liquid) samples. They are appropriate for application in both laboratory and industrial settings and are especially valuable when a sample can’t be stirred, doesn’t require grinding or cutting for processing and won’t be degraded by heat (as high temperatures often result with the rapid agitation of the sonicator tip).

The Who

As mentioned, ultrasonic homogenizers can be used in a wide variety of industries by all kinds of professionals. Life scientists can use them to facilitate sonoporation. Jewelers and opticians can use them to clean their merchandise. Food scientists, agriculturalists and chemists can use them to enhance their "soft goods" processing. Archaeologists can use them to uncover microfossils. Pharmaceutical researchers can use them to produce betters drugs. And these are just a few examples!

Want to Learn More?

Picking the right kind of homogenizer depends on the type of materials with which you work and what you want to accomplish with them. If you need help selecting the right homogenizer for your task, contact our team at BEE International.

Please feel free to also download our complimentary eBook, “7 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cell Lysis Method,” for practical advice on enhancing your time, budget and skills with the right piece of equipment.

In the world of homogenizers, it’s a lot like Shakespeare’s Juliet said: “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” Depending on where you are and who you are, you might call a homogenizer a sonicator, a lysor, a bead mill, a high shear mixer, a disperser or a tissue tearor. You might even call a standard blender or whisk a homogenizer. Sometimes, people refer to all homogenizers by the brand name Polytron® (much like many call all tissues “Kleenex®”), and sometimes they specify the kind of homogenizer according to the type of force it supplies, like a mechanical, high-pressure or ultrasonic homogenizer. In the end, however, all these names refer to the same basic piece of equipment that is used by laboratories and in industrial processes to disrupt and blend the components of a product.  

But just because there are multiple ways to say “homogenizer,” it doesn’t mean each homogenizing application isn’t specific in some way. Indeed, the preferred way of referencing a homogenizer usually points to how it will be used, making it especially important for you to understand the differences in homogenizing applications.

For instance, in industry talk, a Polytron® homogenizer indicates a specific brand of immersion dispersers, which uses a rotating blade to dissolve solid particles in a liquid substance. Thus, “polytron homogenizer” is often used to reference a homogenizer being used with plant and animal matter in a lab setting. Similarly, “cell lysors” and “tissue tearors” are terms most likely used in biotech applications where it’s important that users maintain the cellular integrity of the products they’re manufacturing and/or studying.

The term “high shear mixer,” on the other hand, is more often used when discussing homogenizing processes for the food /beverage and chemical industries, where the mixing part of the homogenizing process is seen as being more emphasized than the disruption part (whether it’s true or not). In much the same way, you might talk about “bead mills” to indicate homogenizers used in industrial settings since they can accommodate the grinding of solid samples without a liquid.

Want to Learn More?

Choosing the right term to indicate each type of homogenizer is often confusing: Do you need a disperser? Do you call it a polytron homogenizer? And what about bead mills and all the other options? Add in the multiple ways in which each homogenizer can be applied, and you can quite easily become overwhelmed with possibilities! If you need assistance determining the right equipment for your needs, contact our team at BEE International. We offer a range of laboratory, pilot and industrial homogenizers that can effectively provide:  

• High Pressure Pasteurization
• Particle size reduction
• Micro/nano emulsions
• Dispersions
• Cell disruption

Our proprietary and patented Cell Emulsifying System guarantees a customizable combination of homogenizing forces for optimal results and reduced costs. In addition, we offer stellar service, warranty support and preventative maintenance programs, benefits that enable you to maximize your time and resources and enhance the lives of the people you serve.