Stuart's latest homogenisers, which are being launched at Achema 2009, offer fast sample processing for life science applications.
A choice of specially designed stainless steel and disposable polycarbonate probes provide the versatility to handle volumes ranging from 0.03ml up to 2 litres.
The Stuart SHM1 is a lightweight, variable-speed homogeniser suitable for hand-held use.
Its high-speed, high-torque 125W motor spins the rotor shaft at up to 35,000rpm, enabling most samples to be processed within 30 seconds.
However, for applications requiring longer processing the SHM1 can also be stand mounted.
The 700W SHM2 handles virtually any homogenising task, including cell disruption, emulsions, suspensions and protein extraction.
Powerful enough to process larger volumes and very tough tissue, such as lung, the SHM2 is generally intended for stand mounting but may be hand-held for short processes.
Both homogenisers accommodate a dedicated range of precision engineered stainless-steel probes: 5mm flat head as well as 7mm, 10mm and 20mm saw-tooth probes capable of processing hard or frozen tissue.
Sample volumes extend from 0.03ml up to 2 litres and all probes can be autoclaved.
Stuart also offers packs of disposable polycarbonate probes for use with the SHM1 and SHM2.
These 7mm saw-tooth probes can process 0.25ml to 30ml samples.
Jackie Taylor, Stuart product manager, said: 'The homogenisers are lightweight and ergonomically designed for ease of use.
'The availability of probes manufactured from polycarbonate, in addition to the usual stainless steel, offers an advantage for labs where cross-contamination between samples must be avoided.
'These disposable probes are robust enough for processing hard tissue and, if necessary, can be dismantled and autoclaved up to seven times,' she added.
All Stuart homogenisers are supplied with a tool kit for disassembling the probes for easy cleaning and are available from Bibby Scientific.