Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2016
Organization: University of Zaragoza, Spain
This instrument is great for standardizing homogenization/lysis protocol for intermediate number (up to 12 per round) of samples.
Application Area: Nucleic acid preparation from frozen and RNAlater-stored tissues
"The homogenization and lysis of biological samples is the first step in the nucleic acid extraction and can result in great variability when samples are individually treated with, for example, mortar/liquid nitrogen method. This is especially important step when sample size is low and rapid processing is required (e.g. RNA). I have found that TissueLyser LT homogenization/lysis followed by TRIzol extraction by column based kit (Zymo) results in consistent RNA quality and quantity with minimal DNA contamination. The residual DNA can be eliminated with standard DNAse treatment. The instrument is straightforward to use. However, settings should be experimentally determined depending on the tissue origin and storage method. For example, storage in RNAlater hardens the tissue and the settings should be optimized (increased time of frequency) in order to avoid loss of material due to non-homogenized tissue fraction. The instruction leaflet offers sufficient tips to start in various types of tissue, although it could be improved by further technical tips related to homogenization of samples treated with RNA/stabilizing agents such as RNAlater. I have had no problems with the instrument in 4 years of use, hence I have no experience on after sales care."
The TissueLyser LT is a small bead mill which provides fast, effective disruption of up to 12 samples at the same time. This throughput matches that of the QIAcube, which automates sample preparation using trusted QIAGEN spin-column kits. Simultaneous disruption and homogenization is achieved through high-speed shaking of samples in 2 ml microcentrifuge tubes with stainless steel or glass beads. The TissueLyser LT must be used in combination with the coolable TissueLyser LT Adapter, which holds tubes during the disruption process. Additional accessories include beads and bead dispensers.