The Scientific Industries Disruptor Genie® is a vigorous mechanical cell disruption
device. Applications include cell disruption of yeast, bacteria, plant and animal tissue
and for cell re-suspension for DNA mini-preps. The Disruptor Genie may be used in a
cold room.
Cell Disruption Using Glass or Zirconia-Silica Beads
The Disruptor Genie consists of a Vortex Genie® Mixer base with a unique and patented
accessory attached directly to the shaft eccentric of the mixer. The Disruptor Genie
dramatically increases the disruption efficiency of the disruption beads, glass or zirconia-
silica, because of the unique and patented design of the sample holder.
Models SI-D236 through SI-D296 holds twelve 1.5ml micro tubes and models SI-D237
through SI-D297 holds twelve 2.0ml micro tubes in a ring that is an integral part of the
shaft. A second ring, below the first ring, is not attached to the shaft. The second
"Floating" Ring is free to move up and down and concentrically around the shaft with
ample clearance between the ring and the shaft of the Disruptor Genie patented accessory
attachment.
Twelve sample tubes are placed in the Upper Ring of the attachment and allowed to
project through corresponding holes in the "Floating" Ring below. The holes in the
"Floating" Ring are smaller than the orbit path of the shaft. Therefore, as each of the
twelve tubes travel in an orbit corresponding in size with the orbit path of the shaft, the
bottoms of the tubes repeatedly and vigorously collide within the confines of the holes
in the "Floating" Ring. This action, in combination with the action of the disruption
beads used inside the sample tubes, results in a significant increase in the impact frequency
and force. The disruption efficiency is increased dramatically.
The Disruptor Genie is designed to run at full speed. It has a timer that may be set for
the required disruption time or a switch position that allows for continuous operation
until manually stopped.
Disruption Bead Selection
Selection of bead size and material is important. Use either glass or zirconia-silica
beads. The following guide is for reference only. It is strongly suggested that you use
this guide only as a starting point to determine the optimum conditions for the particular
cell disruption operation that you wish to perform. The reference to Typical Run Time
should result in a yield of 85 - 90% release of the cellular material for each of the conditions
noted. Normally, 1 part of glass or zirconia-silica beads to 2 parts of total liquid
bio-mass is the minimum condition recommended for effective cell disruption. You can
use more beads i.e. 4 parts of beads to 3 parts of bio-mass providing that adequate
agitation of the slurry is possible. Generally, the more beads that are used, the faster
the disruption of cells.
Type of Cell Bead Size Bead Material Typical Run Time
Bacteria/Spores 0.1 mm Borosilicate glass 2 to 3 min / full speed
Zirconia-silica 1 to 2 min / full speed
Yeast, Mycelia, Microalgae 0.5 mm Borosilicate glass 3 to 4 min / full speed
Trypsinized cultures, Zirconia-silica 1.5 to 2 min / full speed

Sample Temperature
During cell disruption, friction inside the sample tubes will generate heat. The Disruptor
Genie® is capable of being operated in a cold room or an environmental chamber. In
most short runs, 3 minutes or less, it is feasible that if you refrigerate the sample tubes,
beads and sample before the disruption run, you will be able to perform the disruption
at room temperature. The small size of the micro tubes may allow sufficient heat to dissipate
so that sample integrity is not impaired. The operator must make the decision
based on the type of beads, the sample content and size and the length of time of the
run. In any event, it is advisable to keep the tubes, beads and sample chilled before
each run.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Place the Disruptor Genie on a sturdy, level work surface.
2. Connect the power cord to a properly grounded three-pronged receptacle. 120V for the SID236
and SI-D237 models; 230V for the SI-D246 and SI-D247 models; 100V for the SID286
and SI-D287 models.
3. Load up to (12) 1.5ml Snap-top or (12) 2.0ml Screw-top micro tubes in the tube holder.
Space them evenly if using less than 12 tubes.
4. Close the cover, making sure that the stem of the tube holder goes into the cap in the
cover.
5. The Disruptor Genie is now ready for use. Turning the timer knob clock-wise starts the
mixer. It will run for up to 15 minutes, depending on how far you turn the dial. Turn the dial
back counter-clockwise to stop the unit before the time has expired, otherwise the Disruptor
Genie will turn itself off after the amount of time set. Alternatively, turning the timer knob
firmly counter clock-wise from the "off" position until a click is heard, will turn on the
Disruptor Genie in untimed mode. Firmly turn the timer knob clock-wise back to the "off"
position to stop the unit. At room temperature, do not operate the mixer for more than three
(3) hours continuously.
6. Accessory Tube Holders may be ordered separately and used on the Disruptor Genie.
(Part No. 0A-0563-010 - 1.5ml Snap-top Tube Holder and Part No. 0A-0563-011 - 2.0ml
Screw-top Tube Holder) To remove and replace the Tube Holder, first…make sure the
Disruptor Genie is turned off. Pop off the Tube Holder by inserting your fingers under the
top disk and lift the Tube Holder with a prying motion. Align the flat surface of the Disruptor
Genie mixing shaft with the flat surface of the shaft receptacle on the under side of the new
Tube Holder. Press downward until the new Tube Holder snaps into place. The Disruptor
Genie is now ready for use with the new Tube Holder.
CAUTION! Failure to follow operating instructions can compromise the users safety.
CAUTION! Unplug from power before cleaning. Do not immerse.
Care and Handling
Your Disruptor Genie should be given the care normally required for any electrical
appliance. Avoid wetting or unnecessary exposure to fumes. The finish can be
washed with water (after unplugging) and soap or detergents, using a cloth or sponge.
Replacement parts are available through your laboratory equipment distributor. Refer
to "Parts Assembly List" and enclosed multi-fold brochure.