Ultrasonic homogenizers use ultrasonic sound waves to create cavitation, which is the rapid formation and collapse of minute bubbles. These imploding bubbles vibrate violently, creating mechanical waves that disrupt the surrounding cells/particles.

Ultrasonic homogenizers are heavily used in life sciences laboratories to disrupt cells and tissues. Applications include tissue preparation, nucleic acid extraction and the acceleration of enzymatic reactions. They are also commonly used to disintegrate microorganisms such as E. coli, Streptococcus, bacterial spores and yeast. Ultrasonic homogenizers are also used in food and agriculture and environmental labs.

The use of ultrasonic technology has many advantages over bead mills or other mechanical systems. Because the technology does not use rotors or other moving parts, it is much more efficient at homogenizing cells/particles, particularly those cells/particles with smaller diameters. Oftentimes beads are introduced into the sample to increase the physical contact with cells/particles, further enhancing homogenizing efficiency. Due to the lack of moving parts, ultrasonic homogenizers also require less service and generally last longer than mechanical systems. However, ultrasound-based tools can be a disadvantage in many biological applications because they generate large amounts of heat, which can alter or destroy the sample.

The market for ultrasonic homogenizers is quite fragmented. The majority of instruments are sold through distribution channels. Omni International manufactures the Sonic Ruptor line of instruments, including the 250 and 400 W models, and Sonic Ruptor 4000, which integrates a sound-abatement chamber. BioLogics is another ultrasonic homogenizer manufacturer. Similar to Omni International, the company’s different models are distinguishable by the wattage output, in addition to some models that integrate sound-abating chambers. PRO Scientifics’ DPS-20 system is unique as it integrates both mechanical homogenizing and ultrasonic technology into one instrument. Sartorius’s LabSonic line of ultrasonic homogenizers comes in two models. The LabSonic M offers a maximum of 100 W output, while the P model’s maximum output is 400 W. Other ultrasonic homogenizer vendors include Daigger, Hielscher Ultrasonics GmbH, Progen Scientific and Rose Scientific.

The market for ultrasonic homogenizers is estimated to be less than $10 million. It has experienced a relatively high growth during the past decade due to the application niche of homogenizing smaller particles. However, demand has stabilized due to competition from other homogenizing technologies with similar applications, including bead-mill and pressure-based homogenizers. Nevertheless, demand is expected to increase as its advantages provide enough incentive for users to continue to use the technology.

Ultrasonic Homogenizers

at a Glance:

Leading Suppliers

• Omni International

• BioLogic

• Sartorius AG

Largest Markets

• Academia

• Government

• Biotechnology