Maxwell UP-250 Handheld Ultrasonic Homogenizer: Precise, Powerful Cell Disruption for 100μl-10ml Samples
1. Introduction: Redefining Portability in Sample Preparation
In modern life sciences and analytical chemistry, time is often the most critical variable. Traditional benchtop sonicators are bulky, often requiring large sample volumes and offering little flexibility for on-the-go adjustments.
Enter the Maxwell UP-250 Handheld Ultrasonic homogenizer. This is not just a smaller version of a traditional homogenizer; it is a paradigm shift in how laboratories approach small-volume, high-throughput sample preparation. By combining 250W of controllable power with an intuitive 4.3-inch touch screen interface, the UP-250 offers researchers the flexibility to handle everything from 100μl micro-samples to 10ml volumes with precision.
Whether you are working inside a sterile hood, processing a 96-well plate, or conducting field analysis, the UP-250 delivers laboratory-grade reliability in a portable format.
2. Technical Specifications: Engineering Precision (Expertise)
The Maxwell UP-250 is engineered for specific scientific outcomes. Below are the technical parameters that define its performance capability. This data is sourced from rigorous factory testing and validation to ensure you select the right tool for your application.
| Parameter | Specification | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Max Power | 250W | Provides sufficient energy for efficient cell lysis without overheating small samples. |
| Processing Capacity | 100μl - 10ml | Unmatched versatility—process single micro-tubes or standard 96-well plates. |
| Frequency Range | 19-25 KHz | Automatic frequency tracking ensures stable output regardless of load changes. |
| Pulser Range | 0.1 - 99s (Adjustable) | Allows for precise control of duty cycles, crucial for heat-sensitive samples. |
| Operating Modes | Auto / Manual | Manual mode with optional foot switch frees your hands; automatic mode ensures consistency. |
| Display | 4.3-inch Touch Screen | Real-time monitoring of power, temperature, and time for reproducible results. |
| Probe Diameter | 3 mm | Ideal for targeted energy delivery into small vials or well plates. |
| Dimensions (W/D/H) | 270*245*116mm | Compact footprint fits easily into crowded lab benches or mobile vehicles. |
3. Performance & Applications: From Cell Disruption to Nanomaterials (Experience)
The Maxwell UP-250 utilizes ultrasonic cavitation to generate high-shear forces. This mechanical energy is the key to breaking biological barriers and creating stable mixtures. Based on extensive field testing and user data, here is how the UP-250 performs in real-world scenarios:
3.1 Biological Sample Processing (Cell Disruptor Mode)
The UP-250 excels as a Cell Disruptor for microbial lysis. Unlike chemical lysis, ultrasonic disruption is rapid and does not introduce detergents that might interfere with downstream proteomics or genomics analysis.
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Bacteria & Yeast: Efficient lysis for protein extraction.
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Mammalian Cells: Gentle enough for organelle disruption when using short pulse cycles.
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High-Throughput Workflows: Specifically designed for 96-well plates, allowing uniform sonication across multiple small tubes without cross-contamination.
3.2 Chemical & Material Science
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Nanomaterials: Achieve uniform dispersion of carbon nanotubes, graphene, and metal oxides. The 250W power ensures de-agglomeration without destroying particle structure.
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Liposomes & Micro-emulsification: Create stable nano-emulsions for pharmaceutical formulations or cosmetic testing. The precise 100μl capacity is ideal for expensive or rare reagents.
3.3 Field & Environmental Testing
Because of its compact size (270*245*116mm) and rugged build, the UP-250 is the essential sample pretreatment instrument for environmental protection and food safety monitoring vehicles.
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Extraction: Rapid extraction of pesticides from food samples or microplastics from water samples.
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Degassing & Cleaning: Remove dissolved gases from HPLC mobile phases or clean delicate lab instruments on-site.
4. Why Choose the Maxwell UP-250? (Authoritativeness)
As a professional instrument manufacturer, Maxwell understands that a homogenizer is only as good as its reproducibility. Here is why the UP-250 stands out against standard handheld sonicators:
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Digital Accuracy vs. Analog Guesswork: While many handheld units rely on simple dials, the UP-250 features a 4.3-inch touch screen that displays real-time power output and temperature. This removes the guesswork and adds a layer of documentation to your protocol.
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Dual-Mode Flexibility: No other unit in this class offers seamless switching between automatic (set it and forget it) and manual (foot switch ready) operation. This allows you to adapt instantly between a standard batch process and a complex, user-directed dissection.
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Robust Engineering: Rated for continuous pulsation with a 0.1-99s pulser, the UP-250 is built to withstand long hours in core facilities or teaching labs. The 3mm boom arm diameter is specifically chosen for fatigue resistance in vertical holding positions.
5. Trustworthiness: Safety, Validation, and Support
At Maxwell, trust is built on transparency. The UP-250 is designed with multiple failsafes to protect both the user and the sample.
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Overheat Protection: The system monitors temperature and automatically halts if parameters exceed safe thresholds, protecting heat-sensitive enzymes and cells.
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Electrical Safety: Operates on standard 220V/50HZ (configurable) with short-circuit and overload protection.
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Quality Assurance: Each unit undergoes a 72-hour burn-in test before shipping. We provide a standard warranty and direct technical support to troubleshoot sonication protocols (e.g., "Why is my sample foaming?" or "How to optimize for 200μl volumes?").
6. The Future of Small-Volume Homogenization
The Maxwell UP-250 Handheld Ultrasonic Homogenizer bridges the gap between the heavy, expensive floor models and the weak, unreliable pencil-style probes. It is a 250W professional instrument that respects the value of your 100μl to 10ml samples.
From cell disruption in a cutting-edge biotech lab to micro-emulsification in a pharmaceutical R&D center, the UP-250 delivers precision, portability, and power.
Call to Action:
Upgrade your sample preparation workflow today. [Contact our technical sales team] to request a demo unit or download the Maxwell UP-250 datasheet to see how it fits your specific 96-well plate protocol.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - SEO Snippet Optimization
Q: Can the UP-250 process a full 96-well plate?
A: Yes. Its 100μl minimum capacity and handheld manual mode make it ideal for sequentially processing wells in a 96-well plate without needing to move the plate to a bulky cabinet.
Q: What is the difference between the UP-250 and a cup-horn sonicator?
A: The UP-250 is a direct-contact probe. It delivers 250W of concentrated energy directly into your 10ml beaker or tube, making it much faster for solid samples than indirect (cup-horn) methods.
Q: Is the foot switch necessary?
A: Not for standard operation, but it is highly recommended for high-throughput applications. The optional foot switch allows you to keep both hands free to hold the sample tube or 96-well plate while activating the 3mm probe.
