Homogenization in the lab is the process by which the components of a substance are broken up into tiny particles equal in size and structure, before being thoroughly mixed back together, creating a homogenous mixture.

This is typically done to substances that are mutually insoluble and immiscible, making them equal in size and, hence, miscible. It differs from emulsification in that emulsifying substances only requires that they are mixed into one another. However, when performing homogenization, emulsification is usually performed first.

In some cases, homogenization is also referred to as micronization or cell fractionation. Although liquids are the most common, scientists also homogenize tissue, food, plant, and soil samples. For example, specific devices, called tissue homogenizers, are made for tasks involving the breaking down of tissue structure to form an emulsion of tissue solids, proteins, and fluid.

Molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemistry laboratories utilize homogenization for research and production, while the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries implement cell disruption and cell lysis, the process of breaking down a cell’s membrane through viral, enzymic, or osmotic mechanisms, in a variety of ways. While similar to homogenization, these two methods are used in situations where the nucleus should be kept intact.

In molecular biology, PCR is just one application that benefits from homogenization, where sample preparation is vital to achieving accurate results.

Homogenization is a vital part of today’s scientific world, and laboratory homogenizers are best suited for the job. These machines are an important part of any modern laboratory, and aid in everything from simple mixing tasks to the development of cost effective, life-saving medicines and alternative biofuels.

Laboratory homogenizers come in a variety of styles that operate using different methods of force. These methods offer a myriad of applications, including DNA/RNA extraction, particle size reduction, and the preparation of suspensions, emulsions, and dispersions.

The mortar and pestle is perhaps the original homogenization method used, having been invented thousands of years ago.