Analytik Jena SpeedMill PLUS High-Throughput Bead Mill Homogenizer
| Brand | Analytik Jena |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | SpeedMill PLUS |
| Homogenization Time | 30 s – 4 min (1 s increment) |
| Vibration Frequency | 50 Hz |
| Sample Capacity | 12 samples per run |
| Compatible Tube Volumes | 0.5 mL and 2.0 mL |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 160 × 300 × 270 mm |
| Weight | 12 kg |
| Tube Types | Starter Set including Tube A (2.0 mL, ceramic beads, plant/animal tissue), Tube B (2.0 mL, glass beads, bacterial cells), Tube C (0.5 mL, ceramic beads, plant/animal tissue), Tube E (2.0 mL, high-density ceramic beads, hard tissues/insects), Tube P (0.5 mL, high-density ceramic beads, hard tissues/insects), Tube S (2.0 mL, ultra-fine ceramic beads, feces/microorganisms/fungi) |
Overview
The Analytik Jena SpeedMill PLUS is a high-throughput, cryo-compatible bead mill homogenizer engineered for reproducible mechanical lysis of biological samples under controlled thermal conditions. It operates on the principle of high-frequency horizontal oscillation (50 Hz), inducing vigorous collision between sample material and precision-engineered microbeads inside sealed tubes. Unlike rotor-stator or ultrasonic homogenizers, this system avoids localized shear heating and cavitation artifacts—critical for preserving labile biomolecules such as native proteins, intact RNA, and enzymatically active complexes. Its compact benchtop footprint and modular tube architecture enable parallel processing of up to 12 samples in a single run, with homogenization completed in as little as 30 seconds—making it ideal for high-volume genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics workflows where sample integrity and throughput are equally essential.
Key Features
- High-frequency horizontal oscillation at precisely controlled 50 Hz, delivering consistent kinetic energy transfer across all 12 positions
- Thermally neutral operation: no active cooling required; minimal heat generation ensures sample temperatures remain near ambient or below—validated for RNA integrity (RIN > 9.0) and protein functionality retention
- Modular tube ecosystem supporting 0.5 mL and 2.0 mL formats, each pre-optimized with bead composition (ceramic, glass, or ultra-fine ceramic) and size distribution matched to specific sample matrices
- Carbon fiber-reinforced housing provides structural rigidity, vibration damping, and acoustic attenuation—operating noise level < 65 dB(A) at 1 m distance
- Pre-programmed method library with validated protocols for common sample types (e.g., mammalian tissue, Gram-positive bacteria, fungal mycelia, chitinous exoskeletons, dried plant material)
- Intuitive rotary encoder interface with real-time display of elapsed time, remaining duration, and cycle count—no software dependency for basic operation
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The SpeedMill PLUS accommodates diverse biological matrices—including fibrous connective tissue, calcified cartilage, insect cuticle, lignified plant matter, and microbial biofilms—without requiring pre-chopping or enzymatic pretreatment. Each tube type (A, B, C, E, P, S) is manufactured to ISO 8573-1 Class 3 purity standards and certified DNase/RNase-free. The system supports Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) environments through traceable parameter logging (when integrated with optional USB data export) and alignment with ASTM D7281 (standard guide for mechanical cell disruption). All consumables comply with EU Directive 2002/72/EC for food-contact materials, ensuring suitability for clinical or agricultural residue analysis.
Software & Data Management
While standalone operation requires no computer connection, the SpeedMill PLUS supports optional firmware-upgradable USB interface for audit-trail-capable method archiving. When used with Analytik Jena’s optional Homogenization Manager Software (v3.2+), users gain access to electronic batch records, user-level access control, and timestamped parameter logs compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements. Method files include metadata fields for sample ID, operator name, tube lot number, and environmental temperature—enabling full traceability from lysis to downstream NGS library prep or immunoassay.
Applications
- RNA extraction from thermolabile tissues (e.g., brain, spleen) without degradation—compatible with TRIzol®-based and column-based purification kits
- High-yield genomic DNA isolation from Gram-positive bacteria (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis) and fungal spores
- Proteome preservation for native PAGE and co-immunoprecipitation studies
- Metabolite quenching and extraction from microbial cultures and plant tissues
- Preparation of homogeneous suspensions for flow cytometry, ELISA, and mass spectrometry sample introduction
- Processing of challenging environmental samples: soil microbiomes, fecal pellets, nematode populations, and arthropod vectors
FAQ
Can the SpeedMill PLUS be used for cryogenic homogenization?
Yes—tubes may be pre-chilled or loaded with dry ice slurry; the instrument’s low-heat design prevents rapid thawing during processing.
Is bead contamination a concern with repeated use?
No—each tube is single-use and pre-loaded with sterilized, lot-certified beads; cross-contamination is eliminated by design.
Does the system support regulatory submissions?
Yes—when paired with validated methods and optional software, it meets documentation requirements for ICH-GCP, CLIA, and ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories.
What maintenance is required?
Annual calibration verification of oscillation frequency and timer accuracy is recommended; no lubrication or internal servicing is needed due to brushless motor architecture.
Are third-party tubes compatible?
Only Analytik Jena–certified tubes are guaranteed to withstand 50 Hz oscillation forces and maintain seal integrity—non-OEM tubes risk leakage or imbalance-induced instrument shutdown.
