Under the supervision of the Dean of the College of Pharmacy, Professor Dr. Sarmed H. Kathem Alkhateeb, the Continuing Education Unit at the University of Baghdad/College of Pharmacy held an in-person workshop entitled “ Types of Tissue Homogenizers, Principles and Uses,” delivered by assistant lecturer Maysam Ameer Hussein, a faculty member at the Pharmacology and Toxicology Department.
The workshop aimed to elucidate the tissue homogenizers, including their types, underlying principles, and applications in experimental research.
The workshop included several topics, including the principle of tissue homogenization, which is based on the disruption of cellular and tissue structures to release intracellular components. This can be achieved through various approaches, including mechanical shear force, ultrasonic waves, high-pressure systems, chemical agents, or enzymatic digestion, each facilitating effective disintegration depending on the sample type. The workshop further highlighted the different types of tissue homogenization devices, along with the operational steps required for their use. These steps encompass sample preparation, adjustment of device speed and settings, and subsequent centrifugation to remove impurities and collect clarified extracts. Attention was also given to best practices in homogenization, such as maintaining cold conditions to minimize molecular degradation, preventing cross-contamination through the use of sterilized instruments, and selecting appropriate methods according to tissue characteristics (e.g., soft versus hard tissues, plant samples, or bacterial cultures). Moreover, advanced homogenization techniques were discussed in the context of specialized applications requiring precise disruption strategies.
The workshop concluded with the importance of selecting the appropriate homogenizer based on both the tissue type and the experimental objective. Mastery of these principles and practices enhances the reliability and success of experimental outcomes while ensuring the optimal use of homogenization technology in scientific research.
