As more people around the world receive healthcare and the use of bioprocesses to produce products such as fuel ethanol and bio-plastics expands, the biotechnology industry is driven to produce new innovations, productivity gains and cost savings.
Homogenization in the biotechnology industry is used for many applications, including cell disruption, particle size reduction, micro and nano emulsions, and dispersions. In this growing industry, homogenizers are used to effectively rupture yeast, bacteria, E. coli, fungi cells, and more.
Here are 8 fun facts about homogenizers for the biotech industry:
- The first homogenizer was invented in 1899 by Auguste Gaulin, a French inventor. This early homogenizer was developed to aid the milk industry, and broke milk’s fat globules into smaller, more uniform sizes in order to resist separation.
- Modern homogenization involves a two step process: particles are first pushed through tubes or pores to reduce their size, and they are then subjected to high pressures to further reduce their particle size.
- In the Biotech industry, homogenization is more commonly referred to as micronization or cell fractionation.
- Cell fractionation is a procedure for rupturing cells and creating separation and suspension of cell components in a given medium (usually water or an organic solvent).
- Cell fractionation involves three steps: Extraction, Homogenization, and Centrifugation.
- During the extraction phase, molecules, cells, or tissues are isolated and suspended in an isotonic solution.
- During the homogenization step, high-quality homogenizers are used to rupture the cell to create a microscopic particle size. BEE International offers a number of industrial-grade homogenizers that utilize proprietary technology to aid in emulsification, dispersion, and grinding.
- BEE International offers homogenizers that utilize a constant processing pressure. This proprietary high pressure pumping system is designed to produce consistent rates of pressure, and completely eliminates the risk of contamination.
Pion's BEE brand homogenizers improve results in the biotech industry, allowing this important industry to create more effective medications, chemicals, vaccines, and more. The design of our biotech high pressure homogenizer technology focuses on breaking particles apart in a controlled manner. In the laboratory, our instruments allow scientists to vary the cavitation, shear and impact forces applied to a formulation. Enabling developers to optimize the process of rupturing cells and producing nanoparticles. Contact us for more information on how we can help you with your application!