A novel approach to recovering very small samples after cryopulverization
The patent pending design of the Cellcrusher-mini allows for the easy recovery of very small samples (2 mg to 40 mg) inside a frozen “popsicle” of buffer. Examples of such small samples would be biopsy or microdissection specimens. This “popsicle” innovation neatly combines the sometimes difficult tasks of collecting miniscule quantities of frozen dust and transferring it into a storage tube before it melts.
With six chambers, each only 8 mm wide, this tissue pulverizer offers unparalleled efficiency when crushing and recovering tiny samples at liquid nitrogen temperatures. The resultant “popsicles” fit neatly into 1.5 ml microcentrifuge tubes, which have 10 mm openings.
To avoid potential confusion, the top edge of the device is notched, so it is impossible to lose track of which sample is which. The Cellcrusher-mini comes with a set of accessories suited to its dimensions, including a small mallet, angled needle-nosed pliers and a sturdy mini-spatula for chamber cleaning.
The protocol associated with the above workflow diagram is as follows:
- Place the snap-frozen sample in the pre-chilled Cellcrusher-mini.
- Strike the pestle with the provided mini-mallet, crushing the sample.
- Add 50-130 μl with a pipette while stirring the sample.
- The buffer will instantly freeze on contact with the steel of the Cellcrusher-mini, which is at liquid nitrogen temperature.
- Lift out your “popsicle” on the end of the pipette tip.
- Place the “popsicle” into a 1.5 ml microcentrifuge tube, snap off and store.
Required equipment:
- Cellcrusher-mini kit (Cellcrusher mallet, handling pliers, mallet, cleaning spoon)
- An insulated container for liquid nitrogen
- Smaller, disposable containers for chilling samples
- A micropipette
- Suitable PPE, i.e. eye protection, gloves, laboratory coat.
