In 2014, only 18.1% of laboratories that applied for NIH funding were successful in doing so (approximately $4,494,169,749 distributed in total), and alternative funding organizations do not sufficiently compensate for the billions of dollars needed by the other 82% of laboratories. (1) Particularly among labs that may have difficulty obtaining funding, it is critical to be cost effective where possible to stretch each dollar a little bit further. Specific for the process of homogenizing to achieve particle size reduction, here are 3 ways you can improve cost efficiency.
- Fewer passes
Aside from minimizing production time and ensuring consistent product quality, fewer passes is beneficial due to its ability to reduce overall costs associated with particle size reduction. Most products require more than two passes through the homogenizer to achieve the desired size as well as uniformity. However, some higher-end homogenizers can derive optimal results in two or even one pass; this equates to savings out of the production process and equipment maintenance.
- Easy to clean
Many laboratories are trending towards smaller and more valuable samples; thus, it is critical that the equipment used to treat these samples is highly functioning. In the day-to-day rigor of lab research, general equipment maintenance can be easily overlooked. Yet this simple task can have overarching and long-term effects on project costs. If not effectively maintained and cleaned, parts can become damaged and require replacement, particularly among fragile parts. Such components may cost upwards of thousands of dollars to replace, so it is worth your while to put in the necessary time caring for your equipment.
- Reuse materials when possible
Instead of immediately throwing out disposable materials, consider whether or not they can be reused later on. For example, probes can be disposed of after running a sample; alternatively, they can be batch cleaned for reuse. Vessels and beads can also be reused, and the cleaning process oftentimes simply requires an autoclave. However, before initiating any sort of cleaning process, double check that 1) the piece of equipment in question is, in fact, reusable, and 2) your planned cleaning method is compatible with the specific part.
Pion's BEE brand Homogenizers: High Quality & Cost Effective
It will be much easier for your laboratory to save money if you start with high-quality equipment. Not only will this ensure optimal product results, but it will also decrease the maintenance requirements.
Pion is trusted by researchers around the world. We deliver an array of key benefits, such as production of nano/micro emulsions and dispersions and lipids and suspensions; these can be used in a variety of ways within the food & beverage, pharmaceutical, chemical, and biotechnology industries.
Learn more about how Pion's BEE brand homogenizers can assist your dual goal of high quality product and cost effectiveness by visiting us here.
