Grinding and homogenizing samples is still a huge bottleneck in the preparation of samples for extraction and analysis.  OPS Diagnostics focuses on developing tools and methods to improve the quality and speed at which samples are processed. Below are some common problems and links to solutions:

The number of samples which must be homogenized exceeds our capacity or is tying up too many people.

Solution 1:  Use a high throughput homogenizer that can process hundreds to thousands of samples daily.

Solution 2:  Send your samples to us for processing.

Grinding  many small samples using liquid nitrogen chilled mortars and pestles has the dual issue of poor sample recovery and slow processing time as the mortars and pestles need constant cleaning.

Solution 1:  Using the CryoGrinder, which is a small and inexpensive mortar & pestle, many samples can be processed with high recovery.

Solution 2: Using polycarbonate vials chilled with liquid nitrogen, small samples can be individually homogenized using the GenoGrinder 2010 or HT Homogenizer.

Either the method for processing samples is unknown, or the results of homogenization are particularly poor.

Solution 1:  Check our application page for details on how to homogenizing similar samples.

Solution 2:  Contact us and we'll give you advice and support at no charge. 

Preparing Disruption tubes is very time consuming, but the cost of disruption tubes sold for the Precellys and FastPrep are much too expensive.

Solution:  OPS Diagnostics has a full line of pre-filled disruption tubes which are a fraction of the cost of other vendors.