Freezer Mill
Freezer Mill - Related Videos
14:00
Preparation of Cell Extracts by Cryogrinding in an Automated Freezer Mill
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Cited by 5 •
2021
We describe a reliable method for the preparation of whole cell extracts from yeast or other cells using a cryogenic freezer mill that minimizes degradation and denaturation of proteins. The cell extracts are suitable for purification of functional protein complexes, proteomic analyses, co-immunoprecipitation studies and detection of labile protein modifications.
06:06
Sediment Core Extrusion Method at Millimeter Resolution Using a Calibrated, Threaded-rod
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Cited by 21 •
2016
An extrusion method using a calibrated threaded-rod is presented, which allows for mm scale subsampling of aquatic sediment cores. Millimeter-scale sampling is necessary to fully characterize recent event stratigraphy in sediment records.
11:25
A Millimeter Scale Flexural Testing System for Measuring the Mechanical Properties of Marine Sponge Spicules
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Cited by 4 •
2017
We present a protocol for performing three-point bending tests on sub-millimeter scale fibers using a custom-built mechanical testing device. The device can measure forces ranging from 20 µN up to 10 N and can therefore accommodate a variety of fiber sizes.
07:41
Rigid Embedding of Fixed and Stained, Whole, Millimeter-Scale Specimens for Section-free 3D Histology by Micro-Computed Tomography
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Cited by 18 •
2018
We developed protocols and designed a custom apparatus to enable embedding of millimeter-scale specimens. We present sample preparation procedures with an emphasis on embedding in acrylic resin and polyimide tubing to achieve rigid immobilization and long-term storage of specimens for the interrogation of tissue architecture and cell morphology by micro-CT.
05:26
Low-Cost Electroencephalographic Recording System Combined with a Millimeter-Sized Coil to Transcranially Stimulate the Mouse Brain In Vivo
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2023
A low-cost electroencephalographic recording system combined with a millimeter-sized coil is proposed to drive transcranial magnetic stimulation of the mouse brain in vivo. Using conventional screw electrodes with a custom-made, flexible, multielectrode array substrate, multi-site recording can be carried out from the mouse brain in response to transcranial magnetic stimulation.
FAQs
Within the sealed container, the sample and grinding media undergo repeated impact or agitation. This physical action breaks down material into a consistent, fine powder, including specimens whose hardness, fibrous structure, or biological complexity can make preparation difficult. Keeping the container closed during processing supports controlled sample handling before downstream extraction or biochemical analysis.
Cryogenic cooling limits heat generation during pulverization, which is important because biological constituents can be altered by warming. The low-temperature environment also limits oxidation and enzymatic degradation. As a result, temperature-sensitive components are better preserved for subsequent DNA, RNA, protein, or metabolite extraction, helping the prepared material remain suitable for molecular and biochemical measurements.
The method is particularly useful when a specimen is hard, fibrous, or biologically complex, because repeated mechanical treatment can reduce these materials to a fine powder. In biological work, that suitability extends across tissues, plant material, cells, and other specimens. This approach is therefore valuable when the material requires substantial mechanical disruption before analysis.
A consistent, fine powder provides downstream procedures with a more uniform starting material. This matters when samples are prepared for extracting DNA, RNA, proteins, or metabolites, and when they will enter molecular analyses or biochemical assays. Consistent preparation also supports reproducibility, allowing results to reflect the biology being studied rather than major differences in initial sample breakdown.
A preparation sequence begins by placing the specimen and grinding media in a sealed container. The container is then subjected to repeated impact or agitation while cryogenic cooling maintains low temperature. Processing continues until the material becomes a fine powder suitable for the planned extraction or assay. The resulting sample can then proceed to molecular or biochemical analysis.
In biology, freezer-milled material can serve as input for DNA, RNA, protein, or metabolite extraction. The prepared powder may support molecular analysis and biochemical assays, depending on the target component. Its value is greatest when the study requires disruption of tissues, plant material, cells, or other complex specimens while preserving temperature-sensitive components for downstream measurements.