Interscience Stomacher 400 CC Paddle-Blade Homogenizer

Overview

The Interscience Stomacher^® 400 CC is a precision-engineered paddle-blade homogenizer designed for consistent, reproducible sample disruption in microbiological, food safety, pharmaceutical, and environmental testing laboratories. Based on the validated stomacher principle—where controlled mechanical shearing is applied via oscillating paddles against a sealed sample bag—the 400 CC delivers uniform particle size reduction and efficient microbial release from solid or semi-solid matrices without significant heat generation or cross-contamination risk. Its robust stainless-steel architecture, combined with an ergonomically optimized 270° hinged door and patented Q-Tight^® bag clamping system, ensures rapid bag insertion, leak-free operation, and full compliance with routine laboratory hygiene protocols. The device operates exclusively in non-contact mode, eliminating blade-to-sample abrasion and preserving analyte integrity—critical for quantitative recovery of viable microorganisms (e.g., Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli) per ISO 6887-1, FDA-BAM, and USP / requirements.

Key Features

• Full 304 stainless-steel construction for corrosion resistance, ease of decontamination, and compatibility with alcohol-, chlorine-, and hydrogen-peroxide-based disinfectants.
• 270° upward-flip door design enabling unobstructed access to the homogenization chamber and intuitive placement of standardized stomacher bags (e.g., Interscience BagFilter^®, Seward, or other ASTM D7212-compliant formats).
• Q-Tight^® patented sealing mechanism: dual-point clamping with positive-lock engagement prevents bag slippage and top-edge leakage—even during high-frequency (10 imp/s), extended-duration cycles.
• Precisely adjustable mechanical parameters: homogenization time (1 second to 60 minutes, or continuous run); impact frequency (4, 6, 8, or 10 impacts per second); and optional intensity modulation via calibrated paddle geometry (patented blade alignment system).
• Integrated drip tray with sloped surface and removable stainless-steel liner captures incidental condensate or minor bag seepage, supporting GLP-aligned cleaning validation.
• Reinforced polycarbonate viewing window with anti-fog coating and lifetime warranty; shock-absorbing elastomeric feet minimize vibration transmission to adjacent instrumentation.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Stomacher 400 CC accommodates standard 40–100 mL stomacher bags containing diverse sample types—including raw meat, poultry carcass rinses, dairy products, leafy greens, soil suspensions, and clinical swab eluates. It supports both aerobic and anaerobic microbial extraction workflows, with validated performance across ISO/IEC 17025-accredited methods. The device meets CE marking requirements under the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and EMC Directive 2014/30/EU. Its operational repeatability aligns with ISO 11133 (microbiological culture media preparation) and AOAC Official Method 990.12 for pathogen recovery efficiency. No internal lubricants or consumable wear parts contact the sample path, ensuring traceability and minimizing maintenance-related downtime.

Software & Data Management

While the 400 CC operates via a dedicated front-panel membrane keypad and LED display (no embedded software or USB connectivity), its parameter settings—including time, frequency, and cycle count—are fully documented in operator logs per GLP Annex 11 and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 principles when integrated into LIMS-managed workflows. Optional external data capture is enabled via RS-232 output (available on request) for time-stamped event logging in validated laboratory information management systems. All user-defined protocols are retained after power cycling, and the control interface supports multi-language labeling (English, French, German, Spanish) for multinational lab deployments.

Applications

• Microbial enumeration and enrichment in food safety testing (ISO 6887, EN ISO 11290, FDA-Bacteriological Analytical Manual).
• Preparation of homogenates for PCR-based pathogen detection (e.g., ISO/TS 22964 for Campylobacter).
• Standardized tissue dissociation in veterinary diagnostics and environmental water filter elution.
• Extraction of intracellular enzymes or metabolites from plant/fungal biomass where thermal degradation must be avoided.
• Quality control of sterile medical devices using simulated-use rinse protocols (AAMI ST79).

FAQ

What sample volumes are supported by the Stomacher 400 CC?
The instrument is validated for use with 5–80 mL sample volumes in commercially available stomacher bags conforming to ISO 7218 and ASTM D7212 dimensional tolerances.
Is the Q-Tight® sealing system compatible with third-party stomacher bags?
Yes—Q-Tight® has been tested and verified with major global suppliers including Seward, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and VWR; compatibility requires nominal bag width ≤ 120 mm and thickness ≤ 0.15 mm.
Does the device support automated protocol recall or password-protected settings?
No—the 400 CC is a standalone electromechanical instrument without memory storage or user authentication; all parameters are set manually prior to each run.
What maintenance is required to ensure long-term accuracy?
Routine cleaning and visual inspection of the paddle assembly, door gasket, and drip tray are recommended after each shift; annual calibration verification of timer and frequency output is advised per ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 6.5.
Can the homogenization frequency be adjusted beyond the four preset values?
No—frequency selection is limited to 4, 6, 8, or 10 impacts per second, as these values correspond to mechanically optimized torque profiles validated for reproducible shear energy delivery across the specified volume range.