Sonicators / Ultrasonicators

Sonication is the act of applying sound energy via an ultrasonic bath or an ultrasonic probe to agitate particles in a sample. Ultrasonicators are found in academic, clinical and forensic laboratories that need to disintegrate cells, bacteria, spores or tissue. Sonication is used to disrupt cell membranes to release cellular contents, fragment molecules of DNA, , homogenize "immiscible" liquids, accelerate enzymatic and chemical reactions, stimulate bacterial activity or remove dissolved gases from liquids by sonicating the liquid while it is under a vacuum. Disruption can be provided in continuous or pulse mode; models are available which can interface with a computer or be accessed remotely. The working frequency of sonicators is above hearing level to protect users. Look for features such as automatic control of sonotrode length and control of amplitude and time for reproducibility.