Tissue homogenization is often the very first step in isolating cells for either analysis or further extraction of their content, such as DNA and proteins. The traditional method of performing tissue homogenization is by manually applying force onto tissues in order to break them into smaller, homogenous pieces, from which the cells and other components can be isolated. While this method is inexpensive, it is also tedious and has a high risk of contamination. Automated high-throughput methods are more efficient, greatly decrease the sample contamination risk and have very minimal lot-to-lot variability. Furthermore, the higher throughput systems can process up to 196 tissue samples simultaneously.

The cost of automated high-throughput tissue homogenizers is oftentimes a drawback, compared with automated low-throughput or even manual methods. However, such systems use fewer reagents, which can provide significant savings in the long term for high-throughput laboratories. In addition, having the option of homogenizing multiple tissues at once saves time, which also can factor into the greater cost savings equation. However, basic research and other low-throughput laboratories may not be able to justify the initial investment in high-throughput systems.

The handful of companies that manufacture automated tissue homogenizers include Miltenyi Biotec, OMNI International, TomTec, Next Advance and QIAGEN. Miltenyi Biotec manufactures the gentleMACS octo system, which automates the process of tissue disassociation and homogenization and can prepare up to eight tissue samples simultaneously either in parallel or in sequence. The gentleMACS octo uses Miltenyi’s proprietary single-use tubes, which prevent sample cross-contamination.

OMNI International manufactures the Omni Prep 6, Omni Prep 96 and Omni LH96 homogenizers. The Omni LH96 can accommodate tubes ranging from 5 mL to 50 mL and homogenize up to eight samples simultaneously. TomTec offers the Autogizer and Autogizer 2. Both models are ultrasonic-based systems and can be fitted with up to five sonic probes. The Autogizer 2 includes a digital display and a more powerful motor. NextAdvance manufactures the BulletBlender, a 24-capacity bead homogenizer. QIAGEN’s automated homogenizer is the TissueLyser II, which can homogenize from 48 to 192 samples simultaneously.

Although the market for automated tissue homogenizers is under $10 million. Demand from laboratories that benefit from higher throughput applications, such as biotechnology labs, should increase by double digits over the next few years. Automated high-throughput tissue homogenizers have also gained some traction in medium-throughput academic and government research labs. Other end-user markets that are expected to play a role in sales growth include government testing and CROs.

Automated High-Throughput Tissue Homogenizers at a Glance:

Leading Suppliers

• Miltenyi Biotec

• OMNI International

• TomTec

Largest Markets

• Biotechnology

• Academia

• Pharmaceuticals

Instrument Cost

• $5,000–$30,000