Multifaceted Applications of Ultrasonic Homogenizers

Ultrasonic probe sonication finds applications in diverse fields ranging from pharmaceutical, microbiology, and food processing, to laboratory research, nanotechnology, and cosmetics. A typical ultrasonic processing setup consists of an ultrasonic power supply (generator), a transducer (also known as piezoelectric converter), and a probe (horn). Depending on the type of application, it may or may not include a flow-through ultrasonic reactor (also known as a flow cell).

Whilst predominantly used for cell disruption and tissue dispersion in research laboratories, ultrasonic homogenizer systems help blend liquids of different viscosities; homogenise liquid/particle or liquid/liquid formulations; deagglomerate powders in liquids; creating emulsions; and hydrate powders or dry particles. Following are some lesser-known niche applications of sonicators:

Intensive Cleaning of Lab Apparatus

Focused cleaning of industrial laboratory apparatus is an important application for ultrasonic homogenizing systems though not popularly known. Compared to using ultrasonic baths, cleaning pipettes, burettes, test tubes, and other apparatus by sonication is more efficient, accurate, and takes less time. The shear force generated due to compression-rarefaction cycles allows focused cleaning of minute laboratory equipment in places which are difficult to reach. Depending on the parts or devices that are cleaned, ultrasonic homogenization may be complimented by special cleaning agents specific for that laboratory apparatus.

Pharmaceutical Research

Ultrasonic probe sonicators are widely used in the field of pharmaceutical research. Common applications include uniform blending of powders into solutions; making lotions, creams, and ointments using emulsification; degassing and defoaming of test samples; synthesizing complex compounds into liquids for examination; the production of lipid sacs for targeted drug delivery; and reducing size of active crystals for making drug compounds.

Soil Testing

Sonication is also used by environmental testing labs to process soil and sediment samples. Whilst the testing done using Soxhlet extraction method took a long time and needed large volumes of solvents, ultrasonic processing of soil and sediment samples takes 8-10 minutes per sample with an increased yield. Depending on the volume of the samples, either single or dual horn processing systems can be used. In case the sample volume is high, a dual horn system is recommended over the single horn setup for quick and efficient testing.

Developing Cosmetic Products

Ultrasonic homogenizer systems also find use in making cosmetic products, such as nail polish, face wash, lotions, and creams. By and large, the sonicators help quickly process water-in-oil emulsions and disperse organic and inorganic pigments in liquids. Ultrasonic liquid processing systems hold immense promise for carrying out dispersion, emulsification, and blending processes—all three essential to the cosmetics industry.

Paresh Shah is a Director at Life-Care Equipments Pvt. Ltd., a leading manufacturer and distributor of a wide range of ultrasonic cleaning systems.