A critical component of any sample preparation is making the sample homogeneous. However, when working with a large number of samples, this is often a time-consuming and labor-intensive task.

Homogenization seeks to create samples in which analytes of interest are dispersed uniformly throughout. Numerous technologies can achieve this, including pressure, mechanical (rotorstator or blade-type), and bead-beating.

Microwave digestion is the preparation method of choice for analyzing metals in complex mixtures. Food and environmental industries favor this technique, which is also applicable to testing materials, soil, agricultural waste products, engine oils, and biological samples.

Milling and grinding are ancient techniques that are working their way into high-tech markets.

Grant Instruments, an international supplier of precision sample preparation equipment, has recently added a General Purpose Centrifuge to their Grant-bio line of products.

The V-10 Rapid Solvent Evaporator quickly evaporates reversed-phase prep HPLC fractions using a pre-set method. However, when evaporating Acetonitrile-containing fractions, the Acetonitrile (MeCN) will sometimes evaporate too quickly causing an issue with product yield.

New materials and ergonomics contribute to ease of operation

With the invention of the centrifuge came the problem of rotor balance. Specimen containers must be properly sized and properly located on the rotor to provide rotor balance each and every cycle.