Focused Sonicators for High-Throughput Sample Processing
Focused sonicators are the solution for high-throughput sample preparation. The 96-Well Plate Sonicator UIP400MTP reliably processes samples in multi-well plates, 96-well plates, Petri dishes or test tubes and are specifically designed to meet the rigorous demands of laboratories and research facilities. Ideal for molecular biology, cell disruption, and drug discovery applications, these focused sonicators enable precise, rapid, and scalable processing for high-quality research.
Focused sonication is a technique used in life sciences and microbiology to precisely disrupt or fragment biological samples, such as cells, tissues, or DNA, using ultrasound waves. This method relies on high-intensity ultrasonic waves that generate controlled, localized cavitation — the rapid formation and collapse of microbubbles in a liquid. The cavitation process creates intense mechanical forces that break down biological material in a highly controlled and targeted way. The multi-well plate sonicator UIP400MTP applies focused sonication to multi-sample containers such as standard 96-well-plates, ELISA, PCR and microtiter plates as well as tube racks and Petri dishes.

Focused ultrasonicator UIP400MTP for high-throughput sample preparation tasks such as lysis, DNA shearing, protein purification, cell detachment and cell solubilization.
What is Focused Sonication Used for?
Focused sonication is used for various applications in sample preparation. With the high-throughput sonicator UIP400MTP you can streamline and facilitate the sample preparation in multi-well, ELISA, PCR, and microtiter plates using focused sonication for reliable and reproducible results.
Other applications include RNA and chromatin fragmentation, cell detachment, as well as biofilm dislodging.
Benefits of Hielscher Focused Multi-Well Plate Sonicators
The focused sonicator UIP400MTP facilitates and streamlines the daily lab tasks of high-throughput sample preparation in life science, microbiology, clinical analysis and research.
- Time Efficiency: Process high samples numbers such 96-well plates simultaneously to speed up experimental workflows.
- Choose Your Own Plate: Use the sample container of your choice! No need to purchase expensive proprietary consumables.
- Cost-Effective: Reduced time and consumable use compared to single-sample sonicators.
- Enhanced Accuracy: Precise controls eliminate sample variability and ensure consistency.
- Adaptability: Suitable for both small labs and large research facilities with diverse requirements.
- Longevity: Designed and built in Germany with high-quality materials and components, the UIP400MTP offer reliability and extended operational life.
Focused sonication using the UIP400MTP offers a high degree of control over the intensity and duration of the sonication process, making it useful for sensitive applications where precise sample preparation is essential.
Design, Manufacturing and Consulting – Quality Made in Germany
Hielscher ultrasonicators are well-known for their highest quality and design standards. Robustness and easy operation allow the smooth integration of our ultrasonicators into industrial facilities. Rough conditions and demanding environments are easily handled by Hielscher ultrasonicators.
Hielscher Ultrasonics is an ISO certified company and put special emphasis on high-performance ultrasonicators featuring state-of-the-art technology and user-friendliness. Of course, Hielscher ultrasonicators are CE compliant and meet the requirements of UL, CSA and RoHs.
Literature / References
- FactSheet UIP400MTP Multi-well Plate Sonicator – Non-Contact Sonicator – Hielscher Ultrasonics
- Mochizuki, Chika; Taketomi, Yoshitaka; Irie, Atsushi; Kano, Kuniyuki; Nagasaki, Yuki; Miki, Yoshimi; Ono, Takashi; Nishito, Yasumasa; Nakajima, Takahiro; Tomabechi, Yuri; Hanada, Kazuharu; Shirouzu, Mikako; Watanabe, Takashi; Hata, Kousuke; Izumi, Yoshihiro; Bamba, Takeshi; Chun, Jerold; Kudo, Kai; Kotani, Ai; Murakami, Makoto (2024): Secreted phospholipase PLA2G12A-driven lysophospholipid signaling via lipolytic modification of extracellular vesicles facilitates pathogenic Th17 differentiation. BioRxiv 2024.
- UIP400MTP-Multi-well-Plate-Sonicator-Infographic
- De Oliveira A, Cataneli Pereira V, Pinheiro L, Moraes Riboli DF, Benini Martins K, Ribeiro de Souza da Cunha MDL (2016): Antimicrobial Resistance Profile of Planktonic and Biofilm Cells of Staphylococcus aureus and Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 17(9):1423; 2016.
- Martins KB, Ferreira AM, Pereira VC, Pinheiro L, Oliveira A, Cunha MLRS (2019): In vitro Effects of Antimicrobial Agents on Planktonic and Biofilm Forms of Staphylococcus saprophyticus Isolated From Patients With Urinary Tract Infections. Frontiers in Microbiology 2019.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Focused Sonication?
Focused sonication is a technique that uses high-intensity ultrasonic waves concentrated on a specific area to disrupt, shear, or homogenize samples at a molecular level. This targeted application allows for precise and efficient processing, reducing variability and minimizing sample degradation by preventing excessive heating. Commonly used in life sciences for applications like DNA shearing, protein extraction, and cell lysis, focused sonication enables consistent, reproducible results across multiple samples or wells, making it ideal for high-throughput workflows in molecular biology, proteomics, and drug discovery.
What are the different types of ultrasonication?
Ultrasonication is implemented using a variety of approaches, including:
- Probe (or horn) sonicators: Devices that direct energy through a probe inserted into the sample, typically offering high intensity in a localized region.
- Focused ultrasonication systems: Such as the UIP400MTP, which use specialized cup-horn sonotrode to deliver energy in a controlled and intense manner to multiple samples at a time.
What is a focused ultrasonicator?
A focused ultrasonicator is a device that concentrates ultrasonic energy into a confined, well-defined area. This spatially restricted acoustic field allows for precise delivery of energy to a target volume, such as a multi‑well plate. The Hielscher UIP400MTP, for example, employs this concept by directing energy where needed to ensure consistent biofilm disruption and enhanced assay reproducibility.
What is the focused ultrasonication technique?
The focused ultrasonication technique relies on the generation of high-frequency sound waves that propagate through a liquid medium and through a sample holder, creating rapid pressure variations in the liquid sample. These pressure fluctuations result in cavitational shear. This process can efficiently disrupt structures like biofilms, enhance mixing, or accelerate chemical reactions, depending on the setup and parameters used.
What is the meaning of focused ultrasonication?
Focused ultrasonication refers to the targeted application of low frequency ultrasonic energy, typically in the frequency range of 20 kHz 30kHz, to agitate particles, disrupt cellular structures, or enhance chemical processes in a liquid medium. In research and industrial applications, focused ultrasonication is valued for its ability to rapidly and reproducibly influence sample properties and facilitate controlled reactions.
What is an focused ultrasonicator used for?
Focused ultrasonicators serve multiple functions in laboratory and industrial settings. They are used for cell lysis, dispersion of nanoparticles, emulsification, DNA fragmentation, next generation sequencing, extraction of compounds, and notably for biofilm disruption in MBEC assays. The Hielscher UIP400MTP applies focused ultrasound energy to multi‑well plate formats, enabling researchers to enhance assay reproducibility and improve the efficiency of antimicrobial testing and biofilm eradication.
What is the frequency of a focused ultrasonicator?
The operating frequency of a focused ultrasound transducer is selected based on the intended application. For many laboratory ultrasonic devices, including those used for MBEC assays, the frequency typically lies around 20 kHz. This frequency provides an effective balance between energy delivery and sample penetration, ensuring robust cavitation effects while maintaining reproducibility across assays.