Apparatus and method for vortex mixing and cell disruption of a laboratory sample
An apparatus having a plate mountable on an oscillating multi-function tool and having a plurality of sample apertures sized to receive sample vials. The sample apertures may be lined with resilient grommets or have a chamfered edge. The apparatus may further have a weighted base and housing with vibrating isolation means for holding the tool during operation. The apparatus may further have a timer to allow for timed operation. The method including providing a plate mounted on the arbor of an oscillating multi-function tool, inserting a sample vial in a sample aperture and turning on the tool. The method may further include operating the tool for a fixed time and providing a housing and base to hold the tool during operation.
1. An apparatus for vortexing and cell disruption of a laboratory sample, the apparatus comprising:
a plate having a center point and a plurality of apertures passing through the plate;
the apertures located along an arc;
each of the apertures having a flexible grommet lining the circumference of the aperture;
each aperture and its grommet being sized to receive a sample vial; and
an operable oscillating multi-function tool for inducing a vortexing motion in the sample vial.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:
the arc of the apertures having a radius of less than 3 inches from the center point of the plate.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising:
the arc of the apertures forming a circle.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:
the grommets made from silicon rubber and having a clearance of 3/16″ to ¼″ between the diameter of the aperture and the outside diameter of the grommet.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 , the grommets comprising:
a sheet of flexible material having a plurality of apertures and secured to a single side of the plate;
wherein the apertures of the flexible material are slightly smaller than the sample apertures and aligned with the sample apertures.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:
the oscillating multi-function tool having an arbor extending from a body;
a base sized to hold the body of the oscillating multi-function tool;
wherein the plate is mounted to the arbor of the oscillating multi-function tool.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 further comprising:
a housing enclosing the body of the oscillating multi-function tool and weighted base;
the plate being located outside of the body; and
an elastomeric resilient material located between the oscillating multi-function tool and the housing;
wherein the elastomeric resilient material isolates the base from vibration from the oscillating multi-function tool.
8. The apparatus of claim 6 further comprising:
a timer in line with a power source supply;
wherein the timer is capable of providing power to the oscillating multi-function tool for a given time and then terminating the power.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:
the plate being circular in shape.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:
the plate being a partial segment of a circle in shape.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:
a sample vial located in one of the apertures.
12. An apparatus for vortexing and cell disruption of a laboratory sample, the apparatus comprising:
a circular polymer plate having a center point and a plurality of sample apertures passing through the plate;
a mounting aperture located at the center point;
the sample apertures located along an arc;
each of the sample apertures having a chamfered edge;
each sample aperture being sized to receive a sample vial; and
a mounting aperture located at the center point of the plate sized to receive a post of an operable oscillating multi-function tool for inducing a vortexing motion in the sample vial.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 further comprising:
the arc of the sample apertures having a radius of less than 3 inches from the center point of the plate.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 further comprising:
the arc of the sample apertures forming a circle.
15. The apparatus of claim 12 :
an oscillating multi-function tool having an arbor extending from a body;
a base sized to hold the body of the oscillating multi-function tool;
wherein the plate is mounted to the arbor of the oscillating multi-function tool.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 further comprising:
a housing enclosing the body of the oscillating multi-function tool and weighted base;
the plate being located outside of the body; and
an elastomeric resilient material located between the oscillating multi-function tool and the housing;
wherein the elastomeric resilient material isolates the base from vibration from the oscillating multi-function tool.
17. The apparatus of claim 16 further comprising:
a timer in line with a power source supply;
wherein the timer is capable of providing power to the oscillating multi-function tool for a given time and then terminating the power.
18. The apparatus of claim 12 further comprising:
each sample aperture a circumference surrounded by a flexible plastic.