Hanuo HN-08 Stomacher-Type Aseptic Homogenizer for Food Microbiology Testing

Overview

The Hanuo HN-08 Stomacher-Type Aseptic Homogenizer is an engineered solution for standardized, reproducible sample homogenization in microbiological testing laboratories—particularly those adhering to ISO 6887-1, ISO 7218, FDA BAM Chapter 3, and AOAC Official Methods. It operates on the principle of controlled mechanical disruption via reciprocating paddle-beater action within a sealed sterile bag, generating consistent shear forces without direct contact between the sample and instrument surfaces. This design eliminates cross-contamination risk, prevents thermal denaturation of heat-sensitive microorganisms, and avoids mechanical damage to fragile cells—critical for quantitative recovery of viable pathogens such as Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and E. coli from complex food matrices. Unlike rotor-stator or probe-based homogenizers, the stomacher method ensures uniform dispersion while preserving microbial viability and colony-forming unit (CFU) integrity across heterogeneous samples including minced meat, dairy products, leafy greens, baked goods, and environmental swab eluates.

Key Features

• Stainless steel (304 grade) sample chamber with full-opening front door and integrated polycarbonate observation window for real-time process monitoring
• Three independently programmable homogenization protocols—each storing timer duration (1 second to 100 minutes), beating frequency (3–12 cycles/second), and adjustable gap distance (0–50 mm)
• Backlit LCD interface with intuitive navigation; supports multi-language firmware (English, Spanish, French, German)
• Non-contact processing: all samples are contained within single-use, gamma-irradiated sterile filter bags (17 × 30 cm), eliminating cleaning validation requirements and reducing downtime
• Thermally neutral operation: no measurable temperature rise (<0.5 °C) during standard 2-minute cycles, ensuring stability of psychrotrophic and thermolabile organisms
• Compliance-ready architecture: audit trail-capable firmware (optional upgrade) supports 21 CFR Part 11–compliant electronic records when paired with validated LIMS integration

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HN-08 accommodates a broad range of solid and semi-solid food specimens—including raw poultry, ground beef, cheese, frozen vegetables, confectionery, and ready-to-eat meals—as well as non-food matrices such as clinical tissue biopsies, cosmetic emulsions, and environmental surface swabs. Its 3–400 mL capacity enables scalable processing from low-volume enrichment cultures to high-mass composite samples. All homogenization parameters meet the mechanical equivalence criteria defined in ISO/IEC 17025:2017 for method validation, and the system is routinely deployed in GLP- and GMP-regulated environments for environmental monitoring, shelf-life studies, and pathogen challenge testing. Sterile bags conform to ASTM F1608 (microbial barrier performance) and are certified pyrogen-free per USP .

Software & Data Management

While the base HN-08 operates via embedded firmware without external PC dependency, optional USB-C data export enables transfer of protocol logs, cycle timestamps, operator IDs, and error codes to laboratory information management systems (LIMS). Firmware version 2.3+ supports configurable audit trails—including timestamped edits to stored programs—and password-protected administrator access levels. When integrated into automated microbiology workflows, the device interfaces seamlessly with colony counters (e.g., iQ-Scan), membrane filtration stations, and automated plating systems via RS-232 or Modbus RTU protocols.

Applications

• Preparation of homogenates for ISO 6579-1:2017 Salmonella detection in meat and poultry
• Standardized dilution and dispersion of dairy products prior to Staphylococcus aureus enumeration (ISO 6888-1)
• Recovery of Campylobacter jejuni from chilled retail chicken using modified Bolton broth enrichment
• Homogenization of RTE salads and fresh-cut produce for generic aerobic plate count (APC) and coliform analysis per ISO 4833-1
• Processing of environmental swab eluates collected from food contact surfaces in HACCP-certified facilities
• Supporting rapid molecular assays (e.g., PCR, qPCR) by delivering uniformly suspended templates free of PCR inhibitors

FAQ

What sterile bag specifications are compatible with the HN-08?
The instrument is optimized for 17 × 30 cm polyethylene/polypropylene sterile filter bags with 100 µm pore size; alternative dimensions require mechanical recalibration and are not supported under warranty.
Can the HN-08 be validated for use in accredited microbiology labs?
Yes—the device supports IQ/OQ documentation packages, including mechanical verification of beating frequency accuracy (±0.2 cycles/s), timer repeatability (±0.5 s), and chamber temperature stability (±0.3 °C over 10 min).
Is routine calibration required?
No scheduled calibration is mandated; however, annual performance verification against traceable standards (e.g., NIST-traceable stopwatch, digital tachometer) is recommended for ISO/IEC 17025 compliance.
Does the unit support continuous operation mode?
Yes—“Run Until Stop” mode permits uninterrupted homogenization for extended protocols, with automatic safety cutoff after 120 minutes or upon door opening.
How is cleaning and maintenance performed?
The stainless steel chamber is wiped with 70% ethanol or approved sporicidal disinfectants; no internal lubrication or component replacement is required within the first 5 years of operation under normal usage conditions.