BioMasher™ FAQ

Q: I just received my sample pack but there are several types of BioMashers in the package. Which one should I use?

A: There are two basic configurations of the BioMasher: with an o-ring at the base and without the o-ring. The o-ring version is designed for use with soft tissue, such as brain and liver, which can be homogenized directly through the membrane by centrifugation without grinding. The version without the o-ring should be used on tissue that needs to be grinded to free up cellular material prior to centrifugation through the membrane. These tissues include, but are not limited to plant leaf, seeds, insect, muscle tissue, and fungi. We suggest that customers evaluate both types if they want to get an idea of how each will function.

Q: There are two collection tube sizes in my sample pack. Which one should I use?

A: The BioMasher can be used with either 1.5 mL or 2.0 mL collection tubes. We routinely use 1.5 mL tubes in our lab but some customers use 2.0 mL tubes. This is simplely a matter of choice based on user preferences for one size or another.

Q: I don’t need to use the O-ring version. Can I remove the O-ring from the BioMasher to use it in my evaluations?

A: Yes. Users can remove the o-ring by lifting it off with a flat surface such as the end of a small metal spatula. Once removed, the BioMasher can be used without the o-ring.

Q: Why are their different pore sizes available?

A: Some of our users have found that when the BioMasher is applied to very small samples such as whiteflies and drosophila, the sample can be embedded into the membrane pores. Once this happens, the grinding action caused by rotating the homogenizer is not as effective. By using a membrane with a smaller pore size, the sample will not become embedded into the filter and is more accessible to the grinding action of the homogenizer.

Q: Can the BioMasher be autoclaved.

A: Yes. The BioMasher is constructed out of polypropylene. They can be autoclaved as you would standard microfuge tubes. The BioMashers are manufactured in Japan and are assembled in a clean room under RNase-free conditions.

Q: Can the BioMasher be reused.

A: No. The BioMasher is designed to be a single-use disposable tool. Once material has been homogenized in the BioMasher, the unit would be hard to clean and would likely cause cross contamination between sample preparations.

Q: What type of applications can the BioMasher be used with?

A: The BioMasher has a broad range of applications including DNA, RNA and Protein isolation. Recently, Pierce has shown the BioMasher to be compatible with their protein extract buffers (click here for info). BioMashers can also be used to extract DNA and Proteins from gel slices. There are many potential applications and we encourage our users to try the BioMasher in their specific applications and let us know how it works.

Q: What is the relationship between Cartagen and Nippi.

A: Nippi developed the BioMasher for use with their BSE Diagnostic Assay. Their specific application was to generate a crude cell lysate from bovine brain tissue. Scientists at Nippi created the BioMasher to provide a quick and safe method for working with potentially infected tissue. Cartagen identified several other applications for the BioMasher and developed kits including our line of Rapid Homogenization Kits which couple the BioMasher with PCR compatible reagents to allow users to quickly go from sample to PCR. Cartagen has a world wide license to develop products using the BioMasher as well as exclusive distribution rights to the BioMasher outside of Japan.

Q: Are BioMashers available from other suppliers or vendors?

A: Yes. The Cartagen product line is primarily aimed at the Agricultural and Environmental Biotechnology markets. Cartagen is working with Nippi to expand the BioMasher to a broader set of applications. As part of this effort, Cartagen is providing access to the BioMasher under our exclusive license to other companies that wish to distribute the BioMasher or to incorporate them into their kits. We will announce shortly the first set of agreements that have been established for broader distribution of the BioMasher. Companies that are interested in working with Cartagen either distributing the BioMasher or developing products based on the BioMasher are encouraged to contact us.

Q: I am using the BioMasher and would like to talk with someone about how to optimize the performance. Who should I contact?

A: Please contact Cartagen directly either by phone or e-mail. We will be happy to provide suggestions on how to best use the BioMasher with your particular sample or application.