U.S. Solid USS-FX, Manual

Page: 3 / 16

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or call (800) 243-5428
I. Summary
II. The Principle of Working
Ultrasonic homogenizers are multi-function and multi-purpose
instruments that utilize intense high
- frequency sound to induce
cavitation in liquid. As the cavitation bubbles collapse, high shearing
energies disrupt animal and plant tissue, lyse yeast, bacteria and
spores. The ultrasonicator can also be used for non-biological
applications such as emulsification, nanoparticle dispersion, intense
washing or acceleration of chemical reactions (sonochemistry).
This machine is made up of an ultrasonic power supply and an
ultrasonic transducer assembly (generator or probe). The ultrasonic
power supply converts the input single-phase electricity of 110 VAC, 60
Hz into an alternating electrical signal of 20-25 kHz
.
The circuitry
consists of a power rectifier, power switcher, a frequency conversion
system, power amplifier, phase-locked frequency automatic tracking
device, power regulator, power detector, power protector device, and
microcomputer controller.
Driven by the appropriate impedance and power, the transducer
subassembly generates mechanical energy through a piezoelectric
resonator which is focused and amplified with a tuned, titanium metal
horn (probe). When the probe tip is immersed in
the sample solution,
intense, high - frequency sound waves coming from the tip of the probe
induce cavitation. As the cavitation “bubbles” collapse, high shear
forces break or tear open the cells. Indeed, cavitation forces are high
enough to break covalent bonds
. H ence, ultrasonicators can be used to
fragment high molecular weight DNA.