TissueLyser LT

For low- to medium-throughput sample disruption for molecular analysis

Features

  • Simultaneous disruption of up to 12 samples
  • Compact instrument with small footprint
  • Coolable adapter to prevent biomolecule degradation
  • Reproducible results with all sample types
  • Compatible with all laboratory workflows

Product Details

The TissueLyser LT is a small bead mill which provides fast, effective disruption of up to 12 samples at the same time. This throughput matches that of the QIAcube, which automates sample preparation using trusted QIAGEN spin-column kits. Simultaneous disruption and homogenization is achieved through high-speed shaking of samples in 2 ml microcentrifuge tubes with stainless steel or glass beads. The TissueLyser LT must be used in combination with the coolable TissueLyser LT Adapter, which holds tubes during the disruption process. Additional accessories include beads and bead dispensers.

Explore the virtual demo to learn more about the TissueLyser LT.

Performance

The TissueLyser LT provides effective disruption of human, animal, and plant tissues, bacteria, and yeast, allowing reproducible yields of DNA, RNA, and protein in subsequent purification procedures (see figure " Effective tissue disruption"). Even difficult-to-lyse tissues such as heart and brain can be processed by the TissueLyser LT. DNA, RNA, and protein remain intact after disruption (see figures " Pure RNA with high RIN values", " Intact protein suitable for all types of analysis", " High-quality DNA from animal tissues", " High-quality DNA from plant tissues", and " Intact RNA from plant tissues"), enabling reliable analysis in downstream applications.

Disruption with the TissueLyser LT is comparable to that achieved with the well-established TissueLyser II (see figures " Effective tissue disruption", " Intact protein suitable for all types of analysis", " High-quality DNA from animal tissues", and " High-quality DNA from plant tissues").

See figures

Principle

Genotyping, gene expression, and proteomics applications demand effective disruption of biological samples to ensure high yields of DNA, RNA, and protein. The TissueLyser LT system delivers thorough and rapid disruption of samples to fully release biomolecules, and also simultaneously homogenizes samples to facilitate subsequent purification procedures using QIAGEN kits (see table "QIAGEN purification kits compatible with QIAGEN disruption systems").

The TissueLyser LT is an integral part of QIAGEN's complete solution for sample management — from sample collection to purification and analysis of DNA, RNA, and protein. The TissueLyser LT is fully compatible with QIAGEN manual sample preparation kits (see table "QIAGEN purification kits compatible with QIAGEN disruption systems"), and also complements QIAGEN's range of automated solutions for medium-throughput sample preparation and analysis (see table "QIAGEN medium-throughput automation"). These include the QIAcube, which automates sample purification using QIAGEN spin-column kits, and the QIAxcel, which automates multicapillary gel electrophoresis of DNA and RNA.

QIAGEN purification kits compatible with QIAGEN disruption systems
Analyte purified Sample type QIAGEN kit
RNA Easy-to-lyse tissue

RNeasy Kits

RNeasy Plus Kits
RNeasy Protect Kits
RNA Fiber-rich tissue RNeasy Fibrous Tissue Kits
RNA All types of tissue RNeasy Lipid Tissue Kits
RNeasy Universal Tissue Kits
RNA Plant tissue RNeasy Plant Mini Kit
RNA Yeast RNeasy Kits
RNA Bacteria RNeasy Protect Bacteria Kits
microRNA All types of tissue miRNeasy Kits
DNA Human tissue QIAamp DNA Kits
DNA Animal tissue DNeasy Blood & Tissue Kits
Protein Tissue Qproteome Mammalian Protein Prep Kit
Phosphoprotein Tissue PhosphoProtein Purification Kit
Glycoprotein Tissue Qproteome Glycoprotein Kits
DNA and RNA Tissue AllPrep DNA/RNA Kits
DNA, RNA, and protein Tissue AllPrep DNA/RNA/Protein Mini Kit

 

QIAGEN medium-throughput automation
Instrument Purpose Throughput
QIAcube Purification of DNA, RNA, and protein Up to 12 samples per run
EZ1 Advanced Purification of DNA and RNA from human samples Up to 6 samples per run
EZ1 Advanced XL Purification of DNA and RNA from human samples Up to 14 samples per run
QIAxcel Electophoretic analysis of DNA fragments and RNA Up to 96 samples per run
QIAgility Reaction setup Up to 384 samples per run
Rotor-Gene Q Real-time PCR and high-resolution melting (HRM) analyses Up to 100 samples per run
PyroMark Q24 Methylation and mutation analyses Up to 24 samples per run

Procedure

The TissueLyser LT works in combination with the TissueLyser LT Adapter. Up to twelve 2 ml tubes, each containing a sample and a bead, are loaded into the adapter, which is securely fastened to the piston of the TissueLyser LT. The piston moves up and down rapidly, leading to simultaneous disruption and homogenization of the samples due to the beating and grinding action of the beads.

The TissueLyser LT has a small footprint of 15 cm x 27 cm, allowing installation in any laboratory. As each sample is safely sealed within its own tube, the TissueLyser LT is able to disrupt multiple samples without any risk of cross-contamination. If disrupting fresh or frozen samples, the TissueLyser LT Adapter can be precooled on dry ice to prevent degradation of nucleic acids and proteins (see figures " High-quality DNA from plant tissues" and " Intact RNA from plant tissues"). Tissues stored in Allprotect Tissue Reagent (to stabilize DNA, RNA, and protein) or in RNAprotect Tissue Reagent (to stabilize RNA) require no precooling of the adapter.

See figures

Applications

The ability to process up to 12 samples per run makes the TissueLyser LT the ideal front-end solution to access biological information for genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics applications. The TissueLyser LT enables fast and uniform disruption of animal and human tissues, plant tissues, bacteria, and yeast in the TissueLyser LT Adapter, which holds up to twelve 2 ml sample tubes. Sample purification can be performed manually, or can be automated using the QIAcube, QIAsymphony SP, QIAxtractor, EZ1 Advanced, EZ1 Advanced XL, or BioRobot, or BioSprint instruments.

Supporting data and figures

Specifications

FeaturesSpecifications
DimensionsWeight: Approx. 7 kg, Width: 150 mm, Depth: 270 mm, Height: 280 mm, The power supply of the TissueLyser LT is compatible with voltages of 100–240 V
Disruption principleHigh-speed shaking of samples in 2 ml microcentrifuge tubes with stainless steel or glass beads
Protocol/main application on this intrumentSample preparation/sample disruption
FeaturesSimultaneous disruption of up to 12 samples. Compact instrument with small footprint. Coolable adapter to prevent biomolecule degradation. Reproducible results with all sample types. Compatible with all laboratory workflows.
TechnologyBead Mill
Kits compatible with instrumentAll kits for purification of DNA and RNA
Typical run time40 sec - 5 min, depending on protocol

Resources

Safety Data Sheets (1)
Certificates of Analysis (1)

FAQ

Are the stainless steel beads magnetic?

Stainless steel beads sold by QIAGEN are not guaranteed to be magnetic. However, you may find some lots of the beads to be magnetic, due to small variations in the chemical compositions (which do not affect the disruptive functions of the beads).

FAQ ID -9180
Can the sample tubes and the TissueLyser LT Adapter be cooled with liquid nitrogen?

No, cooling with liquid nitrogen would make the sample tubes brittle, resulting in breakage of the tubes during the disruption process. Cooling the adapter and sample tubes on dry ice or in a freezer to approx. -80°C is sufficient to prevent the samples from thawing during the disruption process.

 

See:  TissueLyser Virtual Demo for a demonstration of cooling the samples on dry ice before using the TissueLyser LT.

FAQ ID -2549
How long does the sample disruption with the TissueLyser LT take?
Depending on the downstream application and the tissue, the disruption time typically takes 40 sec to 5 min. For more information about the different applications please refer to the TissueLyser LT Handbook.
FAQ ID -2550
Are there any accessories required for sample disruption with the TissueLyser LT?

Yes, disruption and homogenization are achieved through the beating and grinding effect of beads on the sample material as they are shaken together in 2 mL sample tubes. Sample tubes and different beads can be purchased at QIAGEN (see ordering information in the TissueLyser LT Handbook).

 

See:  TissueLyser Virtual Demo for a virtual demonstration of this process.

FAQ ID -2551
Is an O-ring available to seal the lid of the TissueLyser LT Adapter to prevent aerosolization or escape of pathogens during lysis? Can I operate the TissueLyser LT in a laminar air flow hood?

The TissueLyser LT Adapter (69980) is not guaranteed to be airtight and we do not have an O-ring to seal the lid of the adapter.

If you are working with infectious agents, you will need to validate the disruption parameters on your own to make sure the pathogens do not escape outside.

You should find it possible to operate the TissueLyser LT in a laminar air flow hood.


FAQ ID -9116
Do you sell ceramic beads or glass beads for use with TissueLyser II or TissueLyser LT?

We do not sell ceramic beads or glass beads for use with our TissueLyser II or TissueLyser LT instruments. However, we still sell stainless steal beads and tungsten carbide beads. For more information, please go to this link.

FAQ ID -9189
What is the temperature tolerance of TissueLyser LT Adapter? Can I precool the adapter in liquid nitrogen?

TissueLyser LT Adapter is tolerant to temperatures between –78.5°C and +150°C.

Do not freeze the TissueLyser LT Adapter or the sample tubes in liquid nitrogen. The adapter and tubes may break and may cause injury.

However, the insert of the TissueLyser LT Adapter, the sample tubes, and grinding beads can be placed on dry ice for cooling prior to disruption.


FAQ ID -9111
What are the dimensions of the TissueLyser LT?

Height: 280 mm

Width: 150 mm

Depth: 270 mm


FAQ ID -9114
How can I improve DNA yields from very tough tissues using the DNeasy Blood & Tissue Kit or the QIAamp DNA Mini Kit?

Efficient DNA isolation requires thorough sample disruption and digestion.

Although the QIAamp and DNeasy procedures requires no mechanical disruption of the tissue sample, the lysis time will be reduced if the sample is ground in liquid nitrogen or mechanically homogenized in advance. For mechanical homogenization, a rotor–stator homogenizer, such as the QIAGEN TissueRuptor, or a bead mill, such as the QIAGEN TissueLyser, can be used.

To improve digestion of tough tissue samples, Proteinase K incubation at 56°C can be performed overnight. DNA yields may be improved by increasing the amount of Proteinase K or by adding additional proteinase K after several hours of digestion.  

FAQ ID -374
Can I use 3 mm beads with a 5 mm or 7 mm bead dispenser?
Unfortunately, this is not possible. The 3 mm beads are not compatible with the 5 mm or 7 mm TissueLyser Single Bead Dispenser, as this could result in dispensation of multiple beads, and/or the dispenser may get blocked.
FAQ ID -9185
The disruption of my sample worked well with the TissueLyser LT, but I am not satisfied with the RNA yield. What do you suggest?
The RNA yield can be improved by choosing a specialized RNeasy Kit, which is optimally adapted to the starting material (e.g., RNeasy Lipid Tissue Kits for brain tissue or RNeasy Fibrous Tissue Kit for heart).
FAQ ID -2555
My TissueLyser LT is out of warranty and does not work anymore. Do you offer repair?

We are sorry, but we do not offer repair on the TissueLyser LT.


FAQ ID -9112
Can I use Buffer ATL for disruption of my samples with TissueRuptor, TissueLyser II, or TissueLyser LT instruments?

Buffer ATL can produce foam when used in conjunction with the TissueRuptor. You can add 0.5% final volume of Reagent DX (cat. no. 19088) to prevent the formation of foam.

FAQ ID -9143
What sample numbers can be processed on the TissueLyser LT?

Any number of samples between 1 and 12 can be processed on the TissueLyser LT. If processing either 1 sample or 11 samples, load an additional, empty sample tube to balance the TissueLyser LT Adapter. For more information please see the TissueLyser LT Handbook.

 

See: TissueLyser Virtual Demo for a virtual demonstration on how the TissueLyser LT works.

FAQ ID -2547
What tubes do you recommend for the TissueLyser LT Adapter?

We recommend using 2 ml Sample Tubes RB (cat. no. 990381) with our TissueLyser LT.


FAQ ID -9113
Are the beads RNase free or sterile?

We do not guarantee the stainless steel beads to be RNase free. However, when used according to our specifications for disruption of biological samples, no special treatment is needed to make the beads RNase free. This is because our chaotropic lysis buffers will usually inactivate these and RNases contained in the samples themselves.

FAQ ID -9181
Are the stainless beads ready to use? Do I need to pretreat them with acid before use?

Our stainless steel beads and tungsten carbide beads are ready to use.

FAQ ID -9183
What are the dimensions of the TissueLyser LT?

The TissueLyser LT has the following weight and dimensions:

  • Weight: Approx. 7.35 kg (net); approx. 9 kg (gross)
  • Width: 150 mm
  • Depth: 270 mm
  • Height: 280 mm
FAQ ID -2545
I am working with very fibrous and difficult tissues such as cartilage, heart, muscle and skin. Do you have any recommendations for disruption with TissueLyser LT?

When disrupting tough or very tough samples, we recommend using one and two 7 mm stainless steel beads, respectively, instead of one 5 mm stainless steel bead, to guarantee optimal disruption.

Do not exceed the recommended amount of tissue per sample tube. Please refer to the TissueLyser LT Handbook for our recommendations of starting sample amount for purification of DNA, RNA, or proteins from various sample types.

You may need to increase the time and/or intensity of homogenization from what is recommended in the TissueLyser LT Handbook. But please be aware that this may lead to some fragmentation of gDNA.


FAQ ID -9115
What is the typical amount of tissue used for disruption with the TissueLyser LT?
The amount of starting material is dependent on the sample material that should be disrupted. For plant tissues up to 100 mg, and for human or animal tissues 25 to 30 mg, can be disrupted with the TissueLyser LT. When disrupting yeast up to 5 x 10^7 cells, and when disrupting bacteria up to 7.5 x 10^8 cells, can be used. Using more than the recommended amount of starting material will significantly decrease disruption efficiency.
FAQ ID -2552
Can the samples on the TissueLyser LT be protected from degradation of nucleic acids or proteins?

Yes, if using fresh samples that are not stabilized with a stabilization reagent (e.g., RNAprotect Tissue Reagent or Allprotect Tissue Reagent) the TissueLyser LT Adapter can be precooled on dry ice. During the disruption process the adapter will passively cool the samples to prevent heating and degradation of nucleic acids or proteins.

See:  TissueLyser Virtual Demo for a virtual demonstration of this precooling process with the TissueLyser LT.


FAQ ID -2548
Can the TissueLyser LT Adapter be removed for cleaning?

Yes, the TissueLyser LT Adapter can completely be removed from the instrument for cleaning. For more information on how to clean or decontaminate the instrument and the adapter please refer to chapter 6.1 in the TissueLyser LT User Manual on regular maintenance. The TissueLyser LT Adapter must not be autoclaved.

 

See:  TissueLyser Virtual Demo for a virtual demonstration on how the TissueLyser LT Adapter is used 

FAQ ID -2546
Can I use the TissueLyser LT for disrupting bone? Is this instrument powerful enough?

The largest and most efficient beads that can be used with the TissueLyser LT are the 7 mm stainless steel beads. We suggest pre-disrupting teeth or bone into smaller pieces (e.g., using a hammer) and then use the resulting pieces for further disruption in the TissueLyser LT. In this case, we suggest cooling the samples and the adapter on dry ice prior to disruption, rather than disruption in a lysis buffer.

Please note that the adaptor and tubes should not be cooled using liquid nitrogen, as this could lead to breakage of the TissueLyser Adapter and the sample tubes and may cause injury.


FAQ ID -9110
Can I use the 2 ml Sample Tubes RB (cat. no. 990381) with TissueLyser II and TissueLyser LT?

Yes, the 2 ml Sample Tubes RB (cat. no. 990381) can be used with both TissueLyser II and TissueLyser LT.

FAQ ID -9188
What kind of sample tubes are recommended to use with the TissueLyser LT?
The TissueLyser LT has been thoroughly tested with the Sample Tubes RB (2 ml) catalog number 990381. We do not recommend the use of any other tubes with the instrument.
FAQ ID -2553
How to clean the stainless steel beads?

Stainless steel beads can be reused for DNA extractions with DNeasy Plant Kits. Used beads can be recovered from cell-debris and cleaned using the procedure below:

  1. Close the cap of the 2 ml microtube and briefly vortex to dislodge the bead and pellet from the bottom of the tube. If using grinding jars for the disruption of large sample volumes, skip to step 2.
  2. Empty the contents of the tubes/jars into a sieve and rinse the beads thoroughly with water.
  3. Incubate beads in 0.4 M HCl for 1 min at room temperature (15–25°C) to degrade any DNA and avoid cross-contamination in future preparations.
  4. Rinse beads thoroughly with distilled water to remove the HCl.
  5. Dry beads before use.

You can also find these instructions in Appendix B of the DNeasy Plant Handbook.

FAQ ID -9179
What size bead should I use for tougher samples with the TissueLyser LT?

In general, disruption works very well using one stainless steel bead with a diameter of 5 mm. However, for tougher samples we recommend the use of two 7mm stainless steel beads to optimize the effectiveness of disruption.

 

See:  TissueLyser Virtual Demo for a demonstration on how these beads are used with the TissueLyser LT.

FAQ ID -2554
Do you sell the 3 mm stainless steel beads?

We do not sell 3 mm stainless steel beads for use with our TissueLyser instruments.

FAQ ID -9187