The MicroMincer^tm is a compact, hand-operated screw press which macerates 0.3 grams or less of soft¹ fresh plant or animal tissue (e.g. muscle, liver, brain, epicotyl and pulpy leaf tissue) without sample loss, heat generation, foaming or aerosol problems. The sample, without added buffer, is pushed through a 250-micron stainless-steel sieve under thousands of pounds of force.  The tissue emerges from the tip if the MicroMincer having the consistency of liver paté.

In the case of most plant tissues, fibrous pulp is left behind on the sieve while cell juice and intracellular products are extruded.  The resultant extract can be deposited directly in microtubes.

The stainless steel MicroMincer utilizes disposable polypropylene liners. Thus, multiple samples can be quickly processed without a need to clean or risk of contamination between samples.

APPLICATIONS

• Microanalysis of cellular constituents.
• Eliminates re-concentration of sample extract.
• Direct sample extraction for PAGE and agar gel analysis.
• Preparation of viable single-cell suspensions from tissue^2a,2b

1.  Highly fibrous animal tissue containing collagen (e.g., skin, some tumors, cartilage) cannot pass through the screen.  Likewise, highly fibrous plant tissue generally cannot be processed.2a.  See > Singh NP (1998) A rapid method for the preparation of single-cell suspensions from solid tissues. Cytometry 31: 229-232.2b.  Maceration of tissue samples with a MicroMincer reduces fresh tissue to very small tissue fragments while minimizing shear and sample heating. If the goal is to harvest single cells, the time for subsequent enzymatic tissue disaggregation is significantly shortened.  Furthermore, diffusion of nutrients and gases into the tissue during incubation with the digestive enzymes will be enhanced, thus optimizing the preservation of cell viability.  (For an excellent review of Enzymatic Tissue Disaggregation see http://www.worthington-biochem.com/tissuedissociation/basic.html)

HOW IT WORKS 

1. Put 100 mg to 500 mg of tissue into the barrel of the disposable liner (pre-chopping may be needed). It is usually not necessary to pre-chop soft tissue.
2. Partially insert the piston/screw into the barrel of the liner and slide the assembly into the press cylinder.
3. Screw down the press. Extract exits from the pointed end of the liner.  Continue screwing down the press until all of the sample has been extracted. More pressure beyond this point will shear the plastic tip and force it out of the press cylinder. However, because the liner is a disposable item no harm is done.  With very small samples, some of the extract may remain in the liner tip but can be removed with a micropipette or small spatula.
4. Unscrew the press and remove the used liner and the used piston seal.