BEE International Blog

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.

RNA isolation is, unsurprisingly, a delicate and complicated process that requires diligent execution and precise application. Indeed, even seemingly small mistakes can completely ruin an attempt to extract, isolate, and study RNA samples. With that in mind, today we’re here to explain how homogenization will help improve RNA isolation –– while also sharing a few best practices all professionals can use to boost their results when working with RNA. Check them out below:

Sample Collection and Preservation

Researchers value RNA analysis in no small part because studying RNA can help explain how genes function and are expressed. Regardless of the aim of a given experiment or project though, collecting and preserving samples in the right way is essential to generating viable results with RNA. Some tissues are notoriously difficult to extract RNA from (like bones or roots) and if samples aren’t preserved properly before homogenization, the results of a study can also be affected. As such, researchers should strive to either 1) conduct homogenization immediately following sample collection, which may not always be possible, or 2) freeze the samples using a substance like liquid nitrogen for temporary containment until homogenization can be performed. Note here that thawing frozen samples before homogenization will also affect the outcome of an experiment.

Benefits of Homogenization

The good news about utilizing homogenizers in regard to RNA extraction is that they eliminate the potential of heat production –– since high-pressure homogenizers operate so quickly. In addition, homogenizers are scalable and compatible with a wide array of sample sizes and types. Even if a samples has cell walls that are hard, or when other conditions aren’t ideal, homogenizers can still assist researchers in achieving meaningful yields. Lastly, homogenizers are key to separating samples from RNase, which as we’ll explain below, will significantly alter RNA samples and often render them unusable.

Preventing RNase Exposure

Ribonuclease or RNase, presents a problem for researchers looking to study intact RNA. RNase is an enzyme that catalyzes the degradation of RNA into smaller pieces. This is obviously something researchers want to avoid. Unfortunately, RNase is more or less everywhere, which means that it’s easy to expose a sample to it through lab equipment or on the surface of gloves. Professionals can use special cleaning solutions to ensure their equipment doesn’t spoil their experiment thanks to RNase exposure–– and should change their gloves often throughout their work. Remember also that proper storage at the end of the isolation procedure is also imperative to prevent any outside factors influencing results. RNA is generally stored at low temperatures –– either -20 Cº or -80 Cº depending on how long the storage will last. 

Final Thoughts

With the right equipment and by following guidelines and best practices to the letter, researchers can glean meaningful RNA yields under adverse conditions. At BEE International, we’re passionate about providing scalable, highly effective homogenization solutions for our business partners. We strive to offer the finest products –– and customer service –– in the industry. Don’t just take our word for it, though. Contact us today!

Plus, to get a firsthand look at how our homogenizers enable efficient and consistent particle-size reduction, check out our free eBook here:

If you attended high school before laptops and tablet computers replaced books and used a landline to make phone calls, you’ve probably heard of CliffsNotes. Often used to help students figure out the intricacies of a novel that was required reading for English class, these handy pamphlets were a sort of a study guide highlighting the work’s key points.

In this blog, we’re offering you a CliffNotes version of tips for selecting a cell homogenizer that best meets your business needs. We’ll outline cell homogenization, often referred to as cell lysis, offer key factors for how best to achieve it and provide some benefits on it.

What is Cell Lysis?

Cell lysis, which takes place in biotech, pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic and chemical laboratories on a regular basis, is the rupture of the cell membrane resulting in the release of cell contents and the subsequent death of the cell. Research scientists and laboratory technicians disrupt the cell’s structure to extract organelles, proteins, DNA or mRNA. 

Cell lysis can be achieved through mechanical or chemical methods. Mechanical cell lysis techniques include high shear mixing, traditional homogenization, sonication, grinding, freeze/thaw cycles and high-pressure homogenization. Chemical cell lysis techniques include osmotic lysis and the use of detergents, chelating agents or chaotropic agents.

In order for cell lysis to be performed successfully, the following factors should be present:

• Intracellular proteins should be accessible for extraction and solubilization.
• The process should be flexible, as different cells require different cell lysis strategies.
• The technique should result in a high yield in a short time.
• The process should be relatively easy to perform.
• Results should be consistently reproducible and scalable.

How Homogenization Helps

Of the methods used to achieve cell lysis, the most widely used is homogenization, which offers a multitude of benefits for production laboratories and the consumers who buy their products. It is especially useful for small volumes of cells and/or cultured ones and involves the use of shearing force on the cell. By forcing a small cell through an even smaller-sized orifice, homogenization removes the outer layer and lyses the cell. Some cell lysis products use utilize shear, and others employ sonic cavitation. However, the best choice when purchasing a homogenizer for cell lysis is one that uses shear, cavitation and impact and lets the user adjust the relative amount of each force for different applications.

The homogenizer you choose for cell lysis should be scalable to allow for customization in pressure and intensity, resulting in both cost and time efficiency for the user. It also must accommodate for multiple cell types and adjust for various sample sizes. Other factors to consider when selecting the right cell homogenizer are the force required to produce the highest yield in the least amount of time and the volume, efficiency, stability and sanitary standards compliance of the product. Advantages of using this type of homogenizer are:

• Accessibility of intracellular proteins.
• Built-in process flexibility.
• Ease-of-use and low learning curve.
• Reproducible and scalable results.
• Various sample size processing.
• Ability to disrupt all cell types.
• Better results in fewer passes.

BEEI International: Bringing the Best Homogenizers to You

BEE International offers numerous high-quality homogenizers to meet the needs of any industry for cell lysis. Our laboratory-grade models include the Nano DeBEE, Micro DeBEE and Mini DeBEE, all of which are easy to use, provide consistent and reliable results and easily scale up for full scale production. Plus, they offer maximum experimentation capabilities and the ability to change flow, pressure, shear and impact settings. Contact us today to learn more about our full line of homogenizers.

Homogenization, also known as micronization or particle size reduction, is an important process step that is utilized in a variety of industries, including pharmaceutical, biotech, cosmetic, and food. With benefits like improved taste, texture, and appearance, its no wonder that more and more industries are looking to purchase a homogenizer for their manufacturing needs!

However, before purchasing your next homogenizer, it is important not only to know what your desired end use is, but the capabilities of the homogenizers in today’s marketplace. One question that is frequently asked regards the capabilities of homogenizers versus a sonicator. If you are interested in learning more about sonication cell lysis and how it compares to homogenization, you are in the right place! Continue reading to learn more about sonication cell lysis, how it compares to homogenization, and what BEE International has to offer in the way of high quality, high pressure homogenization equipment.

Sonication is defined as the act of applying sound energy to agitate particles in a sample. It is used for various purposes, including cell lysis, and it is a very powerful technology with both chemical and physical effects. Sonication serves multiple purposes, and is often used for the production of nanoparticles, such as nanoemulsions, as well as nanocrystals, liposomes, wax emulsions, and extractions of compounds such as plant oils and antioxidants.

Sonication works to lyse cells very quickly, with most methods taking between 15 seconds and 2 minutes. The intensity of sonication is quite easy to adjust, allowing for gentle or abrupt disruption of cell membranes. The temperature and length of sonication can also be adjusted.

Homogenization, on the other hand, involves the forcing of cells or tissue suspensions through a narrow space, which shears the cell membranes. Due to the high pressures associated with homogenization, fewer passes are needed to completely disrupt the cells, making homogenization a quicker (and oftentimes easier) choice for the lysing of cells.

BEE International offers a variety of homogenization equipment to suit virtually any need. Our homogenizers are suitable for laboratory and research & development use, as well as pilot plant and industrial use. Our homogenizers also offer the following features and benefits:

• Easy to clean with CIP (Clean in Place) technology
• Variable operating pressure from 5,000-45,000 psi
• Modular design for lower cost replacement parts
• PLC control and monitoring for simple push-button operation

Please contact us today to learn more about the homogenization equipment that we have to offer. We look forward to working with you to optimize the homogenization process for your industry.

For more information on cell lysis methods and how to choose the right one, download our FREE eBook:

Cell disruption is a critical part of the overall homogenization process, and is used by a number of industries, including pharmaceutical, biotech, cosmetic, and food. But where does cell homogenization fit into the overall process of homogenization? What are the different methods of cell disruption? And most importantly, which method should you use? Continue reading for the answers to all of those questions, as well as more information on BEE International and our suite of high quality homogenization equipment.

Homogenization is also known as micronization, or more simply, particle size reduction. However, before the desired particles within the cell can be released and studied, another step must first take place: cell disruption. Cell disruption is defined as the act of breaking particles apart.

There are numerous forces at play, all of which can be leveraged to disrupt and lyse cells. These forces include impact, shear, turbulence, and cavitation. The type of cell that you wish to disrupt helps drive the decision on which force should be used.

For example, a particle with a harder cell wall, such as yeast, sees the best results with the use of the force of impact. On the other hand, a more delicate particle, such as E. Coli, would benefit from a gentler force such as shear. Other cell types see the best results when utilizing turbulence or cavitation.

When selecting the best homogenization equipment for the task at hand, it is important to have a general understanding of the different types of forces, as well as the forces that should be used for your particular application. This is where BEE International comes in. Our technology allows for the use of multiple forces that can be tweaked and adjusted to yield the highest quality results.

Our equipment offers numerous benefits to the end consumer. Our homogenizers are easy to use, produce a higher yield in less time than our competitors, and allows for the production of repeatable, reliable, and scalable results.

BEE International offers a number of high quality homogenizers for virtually every industry and setting – from a small laboratory or research and development setting all the way up to pilot plants and industrial manufacturing environments. Our homogenizers offer these additional benefits and features as well:

• Ability to control pressure to rupture a variety of cell types
• Ability to rupture cells without damaging the intracellular materials
• Better results in fewer passes

To learn more about the homogenization equipment that BEE International has to offer, please contact us today. We would be more than happy to assist you with your next manufacturing project.

For more information on the different methods of cell lysis and factors you should consider when choosing one, download our FREE eBook:

Homogenization is defined as the reduction of particle size of any given molecule. It is a process that is often used in the pharmaceutical, biotech, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. However, before embarking upon the journey to select the right homogenizer for the job, it is important to first have some vital knowledge under your belt. In the world of homogenization within the biotech industry, it is possible to homogenize both plant and animal cells. However, what are the differences between homogenizing these cells? Are there any similarities? And most importantly, how can a homogenizer help with this task? We are here to answer all of your burning questions; continue reading to learn more about plant and animal cell homogenization.

Animal Cell Homogenization

Animal cells contain a fragile membrane which separates intracellular components from the outside – or extracellular – environment. Because of the fragility of these cells, a gentle force alone – usually liquid shear – is enough to rupture these cells while at the same time preserving the delicate intracellular components, such as proteins or molecules, that are to be studied. In addition to traditional homogenizing equipment, animal cells can also be ruptured through other means: a Potter-Elvehjem homogenizer, a glass/Teflon homogenizer, or even a Dounce hand homogenizer.

Plant Cell Homogenization

Plant cells, on the other hand, often have tough, rigid cell walls that take a lot more force and effort to be broken. Typically, heavy mechanical forces, such as shear, cavitation, and pressure, are used to rupture these hearty cells. Aside from mechanical disruption, chemical disruption can also be effective in rupturing the cell walls to enable the study of what is inside. Although plant cells are more durable than animal cells, it is still important to make efforts to reduce the damage that can be done to cell organelles and other important artifacts.

BEE International: Homogenizers for Every Purpose

Whether your goal is to homogenize rigid plant cells or more delicate animal cells, BEE International has the homogenizers that can help with the task at hand. Our homogenizers use multiple forces, including shear, cavitation, and pressure to break apart a variety of cells.  Other benefits of our homogenizers include:

• Electronic synchronization, which allows for production of constant pressure
• Numerous cylinder sizes available to match specific pressure
• Unique Clean in Place (CIP) position, which enables flow through the high pressure cylinder for faster and more thorough cleaning

To learn more about the homogenization equipment that we have to offer, as well as how we can help with the process of homogenizing plant and animal cells, please contact us today.

For more information on cell lysis and the different methods, download our FREE eBook:

In the world of biotechnology – more specifically, the field of molecular biology – the process of lysing cells is an important (and often complicated) task. There are two common methods of accomplishing the goals of lysing cells – alkaline lysis and high pressure homogenization. Continue reading to learn about both methods, as well as which method would work best for your industry’s needs.

Alkaline lysis – also known as alkaline extraction – is the process of isolating plasmid DNA from bacteria. Alkaline lysis is popular due to its ease, speed, and reliability. While methods can vary from lab to lab, the general process of alkaline lysis is as follows:

Spinning Down the Cells

The first step in alkaline lysis involves spinning down the cells in order to concentrate cellular material. This is often done in a centrifuge containing the sample as well as a supernatant.

Discarding the Supernatant and Resuspending the Cells

After the sample is centrifuged, the supernatant is discarded and the desired cells are resuspended in buffer.

Lysing the Cells

After resuspension, the cells are then able to be lysed. The lysing agent – often sodium hydroxide – works to disrupt and lyse the cells.

While alkaline lysis is relatively simple, this method is best suited for smaller scale production and does not offer much flexibility for alternate applications. High Pressure Homogenizers, like the ones offered at BEE International, offer the same speed, ease, and reliability of alkaline lysis, with the following additional benefits:

• Ability to control pressure in order to lyse a variety of cell types, including more challenging cells such as yeast or fungi
• Accessibility of intracellular proteins
• Built-in process flexibility
• High yields in less time
• Various sample size processing
• Rupturing cells without damaging the intracellular materials
• Better results in fewer passes
• Scalable results, for both small and large operations

Our equipment is suitable for a variety of applications, from small scale lab use, all the way to larger applications, such as pilot plants and 24/7 manufacturing facilities. Our high pressure homogenizers include the Nano DeBEE, Micro DeBEE, and Mini DeBEE for laboratory use, as well as DeBEE 2000, DeBEE 3000, and DeBEE 4000, suitable for pilot plant and industrial use.

For more information about any of our high pressure homogenization equipment, as well as information on how our products can best suit your needs, please contact us. In addition, our free eBook, “7 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cell Lysis Method” can be downloaded for free here.

Homogenization, also known as micronization, is a technique utilized in a number of industries, including biotech, pharmaceutical, chemical, food, and cosmetic. This important process involves reducing the particle size of cells, tissues, or other samples, and allows for evenly distributed mixtures – also known as emulsions – to be formed. This is accomplished through shearing force, where the cells or tissues are forced through a narrow tube, orifice, or other small space.

In the world of cell lysis, there are several methods used to lyse cells, including mechanical disruption, sound waves, manual grinding, and homogenization. Focusing solely on the technique of homogenization allows us to break down cell lyse methods even further. Here are the three types of homogenization equipment that are commonly used to accomplish this feat, as well as an explanation of how each type of homogenizer works to lyse cells.

Dounce Homogenizer

The Dounce homogenizer consists of a round pestle, often made of glass, that is manually driven into a glass tube to disrupt cells. This machine works to gently lyse cells, which is beneficial when working with sensitive types of tissue. However, it is a time consuming (and very manual) process, often yielding slow throughputs.

Potter-Elvehjem Homogenizer

A Potter-Elvehjem homogenizer is made up on a pestle – either manually or mechanically driven – that is driven into a rounded vessel. Similar to the Dounce homogenizer, the Potter-Elvehjem homogenizer manually disrupts and lyses cells; its efficacy and efficiency is determined by the speed at which the strokes are administered by the user.

French Press

A French Press, while more expensive than both the Dounce and Potter-Elvehjem homogenizers, is more efficient than either. This machine consists of a piston that applies high pressure to a sample, forcing it through a small hole to disrupt and lyse the cells. While effective, the French press is similar to the Dounce homogenizer in that it results in low throughput.

High Pressure Liquid Homogenization

BEE International's High Pressure Homogenizers utilize groundbreaking technology to include time efficient, high yield, scalable results. Our equipment uses the following forces to guarantee results:

• Shear
• Cavitation
• Impact

The combination of these three forces allows our homogenizers to accomplish the goals that many other homogenizers cannot. BEE technology supplies each of these mechanical forces with greater maximum intensity, allowing for higher shear rates, in-line cavitation, and economically scalable results.

Ready to learn more? Contact us to learn more about our high pressure homogenization products and technology. Our free eBook, “7 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cell Lysis Method” is also available for download here:

Cell disruption – the process of releasing biological molecules from inside a cell – is a common method utilized in a variety of manufacturing industries, including pharmaceutical, cosmetic, biotech, and R&D settings.

In order to thoroughly study and analyze the behavior of molecules, the cells that produce the molecules in question must be disrupted. Disruption of cells can be achieved in numerous ways, including cryopulverization, nitrogen decompression, or through using a homogenizer.  Each method comes with varying degrees of complexity, ease, and success.

1. Using Cryopulverization

Cyropulverization is one way of accomplishing cell lysis, and is most often used for cellular samples with a tough outer matrix, such as cartilage, connective tissue, or seeds. In this method, the samples are reduced to a powder through the use of liquid nitrogen and impact pulverization. This method, while successful, is often time consuming and expensive.

2. Nitrogen Decompression

Nitrogen decompression, as the name suggests, uses large quantities of nitrogen to achieve cell lysis. In this particular method, nitrogen is dissolved in the cell under very high pressures. When the pressure is released, the nitrogen violently escapes the cell, causing disruption and breakage of the cell walls. While nitrogen decompression is successful in disrupting certain types of cells – plant cells, bacteria, and other fragile cell types are most receptive to this treatment – it has not been proven to be effective in disrupting cells with tougher outer matrices, such as yeast, spores, and fungus.

3. High Pressure Homogenization

Homogenization is arguably the most widely used method of cell lysis, especially for small volumes of cells and/or cultured cells. This method involves the use of shearing force on the cell. This is achieved by forcing the small cell through an even smaller sized orifice. This removes the outer layer and lyses the cell.

BEE High Pressure Homogenizers

BEE International offers a number of high-quality homogenizers to meet the needs of any industry when it comes to the process of cell lysis and disruption. Our laboratory grade homogenizers include the Nano DeBEE, Micro DeBEE, and Mini DeBee – all three are easy to use, offer consistent and reliable results, and easily scale up for full scale production. In addition, our homogenizers offer maximum experimentation capabilities, the ability to change flow, pressure, shear, and impact settings, and offer high pressures up to 45,000 PSI for maximum effectiveness with cell lysis and disruption.

Contact us today to learn more about how our line of homogenizers can help you meet your production needs. Or for more information on how to achieve the most efficient cell lysis, download our eBook “7 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cell Lysis Method”:

Congratulations on choosing a high pressure homogenizer for your particle size reduction or cell lysis needs! We’ve created the following checklist to help you choose the correct model for your needs:

• Production or Research & Development?

Whether you need a high pressure homogenizer for R&D experimentation or large production volumes, BEE International has the right equipment for you. Our Nano DeBEE Laboratory Homogenizer is ideal for laboratory use for a broad range of applications including cell disruption, particle size reduction, nano/micro emulsions and dispersions. Our industrial homogenizers provide high yield cell rupture and efficient particle size reduction in fewer passes. Click here to view all of our high pressure homogenizer products.

• Is it a good fit for my product?

When choosing a high pressure homogenizer, always ensure that it is the right fit for your particular product and manufacturing needs. Take into account the volumes that you will be processing, the frequency of your production runs, and the regulatory requirements associated with manufacturing your product e.g. pasteurization or SCADA.

• Easy to clean and maintain?

Regulations require certain products to be manufactured on equipment with CIP capabilities. We understand these rigorous industry standards and customer requirements; therefore our pilot plant and industrial homogenizers are all CIP. Contact us to schedule a professional service for your unit or inquire about our annual Preventive Maintenance Agreements.

• A reliable and specialized company?

BEE International is a reputable company with homogenizers operating in commercial and academic facilities across the globe. We are knowledgeable and experienced in every aspect of high energy mixing in terms of cell lysis and particle size reduction, and we want to share that knowledge and experience with you. We provide training upon or before installation, and also offer additional training at any time further down the line.

• After-sales support?

We know that a high pressure homogenizer is an expensive piece of equipment and that you want to get your money’s worth out of it. Our technical support team are standing by to help you troubleshoot any small issues or answer your operational questions.

BEE International is your partner in developing new products and improving your existing ones. Click here to learn more about our application support and sample testing program. 

For more information on particle size reduction and how to achieve efficient and consistent results, download our FREE eBook: