What is a Biomasher?

[caption id="attachment_2253" align="alignleft" width="605" caption="biomasher"][/caption] Homogenize and strain your sample for quick processing. The BioMasher™ is an essential tool for any researcher working with nucleic acid extraction. Its proprietary design consists of a homogenizer for grinding your sample, a column for straining, and a collection tube to contain the final homogenate. This system can be used on a wide variety of tissues, and is an ideal preparatory step for amplification and other downstream applications. The BioMasher™ Sample Preparation Device was used to prepare bovine brain cell lysates prior to testing for BSE (Bovine Spongiform Encephalitis). We have found that the BioMasher™ is a versatile tool well suited for genomic and proteomic research. The BioMasher is comprised of three single-use components: a micro homogenizer, a porous filter column insert, and a microcentrifuge tube. Using the BioMasher is very simple. First, ensure that the filter column insert is properly seated in the microcentrifuge tube. Next, add your sample to the filter column. We commonly use plant leaf (~50 mg to ~200 mg), seeds (usually only a few seeds are necessary, but more may be required if they are very small seeds), or insects (typically one insect such as a mosquito or tick). A small amount of lysis buffer, typically 50 µL (RNA or DNA lysis buffer or a protein extraction buffer) is added to the sample. The micro homogenizer is then inserted into the filter column and with steady but firm pressure, the homogenizer is rotated, causing the blades on the end of the homogenizer to tear open the tissue. While we have found that the BioMasher can be used by hand to yield sufficient nucleic acid for PCR analysis, yields are dramatically increased when the homogenizer is attached to the end of a lightweight handheld power drill. For this approach, simply attach the handle end of the homogenizer into a drill’s chuck and tighten. Homogenize the sample applying firm pressure (low speed is sufficient). Remove the homogenizer from the filter column and detach it from the drill. Add an additional 150 µL of lysis to the sample in the filter column, then gently re-insert the homogenizer. Centrifuge the entire assembly at a maximum of 10,000 rpm. After centrifugation, remove and dispose of the micro homogenizer and filter column insert. The cell lysate collected in the microcentrifuge tube can now be further purified or used in downstream analysis. Camlab offer a full range of homogenisers from manual to mechanical homogenizer. For a sample pack of Biomashers click Biomashers.