A multiple homogenizer for rapid sample preparation in immunoassays and electrophoresis

A multiple homogenizer is described for preparing samples of small invertebrates or tissue in a flat-bottom immunoplate. Its efficiency was evaluated by immunoassay of a carboxylesterase (E4), the enzyme conferring insecticide resistance in the peach potato aphid (Myzus persicae). This equipment was shown to release more enzyme, with less variability, than homogenizing individual aphids and its efficiency allows one person to analyze up to 3000 individual insects per day. It is also suitable for preparing samples for electrophoretic analysis. In the present study samples were loaded onto electrophoresis gels rapidly and accurately by using an eight-channel multi-pipette.R. H. ffrench-Constant was supported by an AFRC studentship.