Shaking, which is one of the most frequently used operations in the daily work of the lab, is a very basic task that appears to be quite an inconspicuous source of loss of samples. It is possible to find where this loss is lost and learn how to shake smarter to preserve every valuable microliter.
This article will cover the mechanism of loss, explain how to align the patterns of shaking with sample types, and examine smart shaking techniques and laboratory shakers that reduce the risk.
How Loss Happens During Shaking
Biology lab shaking is an illusory activity. Fluid movement is characterised by complicated acceleration, deceleration, and shear patterns when a tube or plate is moved. Such movements may lead to loss of samples in several ways:
- Capillary leaks, lid leakage: Fluid may also climb up inside walls when moving at high speeds, or when it is not properly moving, it may get in weak areas of tube caps or the plate seals.
- Aerosol formation: Sample agitations of high agitation levels produce microdroplets that leak through imperfect seals.
- Splash-induced residue: Vicious shaking may lead to droplets being attached to tube walls above the line of liquid.
- Vessel stress caused by a machine: Little cracks in tubes or plates, particularly following several freeze/thaws, may provide entry points to leakages.
Knowledge of such mechanisms and smart shaking techniques will enable investigators to devise protocols that do not affect the integrity of the sample without affecting the efficiency of mixing.
Matching Motion to Material: Choosing the Right Shaking Pattern
Various biological materials need various mixing strategies. It is important to note that motion interacts with viscosity, fragility, and the geometry of the container.
Orbital Shaking
Its application is optimal in the cultures, suspensions, and reagents whose shear should be reduced to a minimum. Orbital shaking minimises splashing and preserves the laminar flow so that it can be used with DNA, RNA, and sensitive protein samples.
Linear Shaking
A stronger directional force is provided by linear motion or reciprocating motion. It is best used in such activities as gel staining, Western blot development, or dissolution of pellets.
Vortexing
Localised aggressive mixing is provided by vortex mixers. They are vital in resuspending pellets or mixing a small volume, but they also form aerosols and high shear. Risks can be overcome by restricting exposure time and having secure caps.
3D Tumbling Motion
Applicable to the weak samples, such as beads or large cellular clusters, 3D motion reduces the shear and still mixes the mixture thoroughly.
The selection of the appropriate pattern is the initial step towards smarter shaking and less loss of samples. Smarter Techniques That Protect Every Microliter
85% of biomedical research is considered “waste” due to avoidable issues. In addition to selecting the biology lab shaking pattern, the technique is also important in practice.
- Fill with their appropriate volumes: Underfilling and overfilling have the effect of increasing the likelihood of splashing and leaking, respectively.
- Seal and put caps on, intending: The screw caps are supposed to be tightened, but not too tight, because when they are overtightened, they may deform the threads.
- Layer shaking with pauses: With fine material or foaming solutions, it is possible to mix with short shaking periods, separated by short rest periods, and prevent uncontrolled turbulence.
- Tilting of tubes, where necessary: Even a minor incline will ensure that no bubbles reach the cap area, limiting the creation of aerosols and leakage.
Devices of such manufacturers as IKA are also significant, since nowadays shaking devices have advanced control features that simplify optimisation procedures more than ever before.
Equipment Settings That Reduce Risk Without Slowing You Down
The current shaking platforms provide the accuracy in the speed, orbit, and acceleration. Available instruments like those made by IKA offer programmable ramps providing protection to sensitive samples.
- Set rational speed limits: Test what minimum rpm the mixer requires to provide even mixing and not stagnate in the high-end settings.
- Utilise platforms that are vessel-sized: Filling a large flask with a small clamp or having the flask itself not supported by a microplate may cause it to wobble and add mechanical stress and leakage.
- Test protocols on all new sample types: Although it occurs in a fluid, even slight alterations in viscosity, composition, or volume may affect the movement of the fluid.
Through adjustment of these lab shaker best practices, the labs can have effective mixing and reduce unwanted loss of sample.
Small Lab Habits That Make a Huge Difference
The best equipment and techniques will not be able to offset bad habits. The following can be incorporated into everyday practice and can significantly decrease the waste in the sample:
- Label tubes before filling to prevent errors in handling that can raise the risk of spillage.
- Wipe it off with a towel before closing tubes or plates so that they are properly closed.
- Check consumables for cracks, warping, or manufacturing defects.
- Shaker balance loads to minimise vibration and mechanical stress.
- Check the shaker calibration on a regular basis to be accurate with speed and motion.
- Be mindful of the positioning of tubes and fully and evenly position tubes in racks or clamps.
These habits can help in increasing reliability and decreasing costs in every project when they are made routine.
In Conclusion
Smart shaking goes beyond being a mechanical process to an informed process of decision-making that maintains the sample integrity and enhances experimental success. Researchers can secure even the most minute quantities of loss by learning the mechanics of loss, the appropriate choice of shaking motion, optimisation of methods, proper equipment setup, and strengthening of good lab practices.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not replace professional laboratory training or safety guidance. Procedures, equipment settings, and handling methods should be validated within each laboratory’s own quality and regulatory framework. Open MedScience is not responsible for any outcomes resulting from the application of the techniques discussed. Always follow institutional protocols, manufacturer instructions, and relevant health and safety regulations.
