HOGON SH-400A Stomacher-Type Homogenizer

Overview

The HOGON SH-400A Stomacher-Type Homogenizer is an engineered solution for gentle, reproducible, and contamination-free homogenization of solid and semi-solid biological samples in microbiological, food safety, pharmaceutical, and environmental laboratories. Based on the validated stomacher principle—mechanical disruption via controlled reciprocal pulsation between two parallel plates—the SH-400A applies uniform shear and compressive forces to samples contained within sterile, single-use filter bags. This method preserves microbial viability, minimizes thermal denaturation (<1 °C temperature rise during standard 60-s cycles), and avoids cross-contamination by eliminating direct contact between sample material and instrument surfaces. Designed for compliance with ISO 6887-1, ISO 7218, and AOAC Official Methods®, the system supports standardized enumeration of aerobic mesophiles, coliforms, Enterobacteriaceae, Listeria, Salmonella, and other target microorganisms from foods, clinical specimens, soil, and animal feed.

Key Features

• Microprocessor-controlled operation with large backlit LCD display for real-time monitoring of time, speed, and stroke distance.
• Three independently programmable homogenization protocols—each storing time, frequency, and stroke distance settings—for rapid method recall and inter-laboratory consistency.
• Adjustable pulsation frequency (3–12 strokes/sec) and stroke distance (0–30 mm), enabling optimization for diverse matrices including soft tissues, leafy vegetables, cheese, pet food, and powdered formulations.
• Full-opening front door with transparent polycarbonate viewing window ensures unobstructed visual confirmation of bag placement and integrity during operation.
• Automatic safety cutoff: motor halts instantly if the door is opened at any point during the cycle, meeting IEC 61000-6-2 EMC and EN 61010-1 safety requirements.
• Non-contact processing architecture: samples remain fully enclosed in certified sterile filter bags (17 × 30 cm, 400 mL capacity); no internal chamber cleaning or sterilization required between runs.
• Integrated bag compression mechanism with self-aligning guide rails ensures consistent force distribution and eliminates bag slippage or misalignment.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SH-400A accommodates a broad range of sample types—including raw meat, poultry carcasses, dairy products, ready-to-eat salads, environmental swabs, and fecal suspensions—within its 3–400 mL working volume. All processing occurs inside gamma-irradiated, low-binding polyethylene sterile bags fitted with integrated 100 µm nylon mesh filters, ensuring particulate retention while permitting free passage of released microorganisms into the eluent. The system is compatible with internationally recognized reference methods including ISO 6887-1:2017 (preparation of microbiological test samples), FDA-BAM Chapter 3 (microbiological analysis of foods), and USP and . Its design supports GLP-compliant workflows through audit-trail-capable parameter logging (when paired with optional data export module) and adherence to 21 CFR Part 11 principles via user-accessible password-protected protocol management.

Software & Data Management

While the SH-400A operates as a standalone benchtop instrument with embedded firmware, it supports traceable documentation through manual logbook entry or integration with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) via RS-232 serial interface (optional). Each stored protocol includes timestamped execution history accessible via display navigation. For regulated environments, the device enables full validation documentation packages—including IQ/OQ templates, calibration records for timer and frequency accuracy, and risk assessment reports aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements. Firmware updates are delivered via USB port, maintaining long-term software maintainability without hardware modification.

Applications

• Pre-enrichment sample preparation for pathogen detection (e.g., Salmonella spp., L. monocytogenes) in food and feed testing laboratories.
• Routine homogenization of clinical stool specimens for culture-based or molecular diagnostics.
• Environmental monitoring of water, soil, and surface swabs under ISO 11731 and ISO 16266 protocols.
• Pharmaceutical microbiological testing per USP , , and EP 2.6.12, including bioburden assessment of non-sterile products.
• Research applications requiring high-fidelity recovery of intracellular bacteria, biofilm-associated microbes, or heat-sensitive probiotic strains.

FAQ

What sterile bag specifications are compatible with the SH-400A?
Standardized 17 × 30 cm polyethylene filter bags with 100 µm pore size and 400 mL nominal capacity; supplied gamma-irradiated, individually wrapped, and certified endotoxin-free.
Can the SH-400A be used for quantitative microbial recovery studies?
Yes—its consistent mechanical energy input and minimal thermal impact support high-reproducibility recovery rates (>95% for common Gram-negative and Gram-positive targets when validated per ISO 13353 Annex A).
Is the instrument suitable for GMP-regulated environments?
It meets core hardware requirements for GMP microbiology labs; full compliance requires documented installation qualification (IQ), operational qualification (OQ), and integration into site-specific SOPs for protocol control and maintenance.
How is calibration verified?
Timer accuracy is validated using NIST-traceable digital stopwatch; stroke frequency is confirmed via optical tachometer; both checks are included in the annual preventive maintenance checklist provided in the service manual.
Does the SH-400A require routine lubrication or consumable parts beyond bags?
No—its brushless DC motor and sealed gear train are maintenance-free for ≥10,000 operating hours; only the external stainless-steel housing requires periodic wipe-down with ethanol or quaternary disinfectants.