diagenode Bioruptor Pico, User Manual

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Introduction
Diagenode’s Bioruptor Pico uses a gentle method of sonication to retain the integrity of
DNA and/or biological complexes, including chromatin, protein-protein binding, protein-
DNA complexes and other biochemical and biological assay systems. The Bioruptor Pico
sonication system uses a sonication bath to generate indirect sonication waves, which
emanate from an ultrasound element below the water tank. Because the system is gentler
than other sonicators, the Bioruptor Pico produces better and more consistent results than
with harsher sonication methods. Up to 16 closed tubes can be sonicated in parallel and the
continuous rotation of tubes allows even distribution of the energy for efficient sonication.
The Bioruptor Pico enables automation of sonication, guaranteeing higher reproducibility of
results.
The effect of ultrasound on biological sample
The Bioruptor Pico sonication system uses
ultrasound to create focused mechanical stress to
shear chromatin or DNA, remove paraffin from FFPE
samples, disrupt cells and homogenize tissue, or
disperse chemical component, or reduce the size
of liposomes. Ultrasound waves pass through the
sample expanding and contracting the liquid. During
expansion, negative pressures pull the molecules
away from one another to form a cavity or bubble. This process is called cavitation. The bubble
continues to absorb energy until it can no longer sustain itself and implodes. This produces
intense focused shearing forces, that disperse and break biomolecules. The fragmentation
of chromatin or DNA takes place as a consequence of this mechanical stress or shear. With
the Bioruptor Pico, the entire volume of water present in the sonication bath is exposed to
ultrasound, allowing all the samples to be efficiently sonicated in parallel.
Use of Bioruptor
®
Pico by pregnant women
Exposure to 20-60 kHz sound waves has not been shown to be harmful to human health.
However, we would recommend avoiding unnecessary exposure. Diagenode recommends
that pregnant women should not be exposed to 20-60 kHz wave lengths for a long period of
time.