Sample Processing & Coating

Sonicator

Ultrasonic dispersion, mixing and cell disruption

A probe sonicator sends high-intensity ultrasound into a liquid, where collapsing cavitation bubbles disperse particles, break open cells and mix phases. It is a quick way to prepare small-volume samples.

1 test optionProbe sonication around 20 kHzPulsed, ice-cooled processingTypical turnaround 3–5 working days
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Sonicator processIllustrative
GeneratorTransducerProbeCavitation bubblesIce bathPulse cycle
Sound turned into tiny, violent bubblesIllustrative
01 / Overview

What is Sonicator?

A generator drives a piezoelectric transducer that vibrates a titanium probe at around 20 kHz. At the tip, pressure waves form cavitation bubbles in the liquid; as they collapse they release intense local shear and shock waves that break agglomerates, rupture cells and fragment large molecules.

A probe delivers far more energy into a small volume than an ultrasonic bath, so dispersion and lysis take seconds to minutes. Pulsing and an ice bath limit heating; for larger volumes or production-scale emulsions a high-pressure homogeniser is the better choice.

02 / How it works

How it works

  1. 01

    Sample is prepared

    The suspension or cell sample is placed in a suitable tube or beaker, usually on ice.

  2. 02

    Probe is immersed

    The titanium probe tip is lowered into the liquid, clear of the walls and bottom.

  3. 03

    Ultrasound is applied

    High-frequency vibration forms cavitation bubbles whose collapse disperses particles and breaks cells.

  4. 04

    Pulses keep it cool

    Energy is delivered in on/off pulses at a set amplitude and time to limit heating.

03 / What it measures

What it measures

Nanoparticle dispersion

Break up agglomerates and disperse powders evenly in a liquid.

Useful forNanomaterials, inks, samples for DLS or zeta

Cell lysis

Disrupt bacterial, yeast or mammalian cells to release their contents.

Useful forProtein, DNA and enzyme extraction

DNA & chromatin shearing

Fragment DNA or chromatin into shorter pieces.

Useful forChIP and sequencing library preparation

Emulsification

Make fine emulsions from small volumes of oil and water.

Useful forFormulation trials, nanoemulsions

Degassing & dissolution

Remove dissolved gas and speed up dissolving of stubborn solids.

Useful forSolvents and hard-to-dissolve samples
04 / Test options

Choose the Sonicator options you need

1 option · none added yet

Sonicator test options
05 / Sample requirements

Sample requirements

Accepted forms
Liquid suspensions, cell suspensions, emulsions and solutions
Volume
Typically 1–100 mL per sample; state the tube or vessel
Solids content
Dilute suspensions, typically a few mg/mL
Transport
Sealed, leak-proof tubes; chilled for biological samples
  • Share the amplitude, time and pulse settings if known
  • Use leak-proof tubes with enough headspace
  • Mention if the sample is heat-sensitive
  • No flammable or volatile solvents without prior approval
  • No pathogenic or unassessed biological material

Hazardous or air-sensitive samples: mention it in your request, and attach the MSDS if you have one.

06 / Results & turnaround

Results & turnaround

What you receive

  • Sonicated sample returned in sealed tubes
  • Record of amplitude, pulse pattern and total time
  • Temperature notes during processing
  • Size data if particle size analysis is also ordered
  • Report PDF

Turnaround & pricing

Typically 3–5 working days after samples reach the lab.

Price confirmed in your quotation, depending on user type, options and number of samples.

Sample report · IllustrativeExample particle size~210 nmIllustrative — not measured sample data
07 / Limitations

When Sonicator isn't the right fit

Let’s find your next step

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