Xpedition™ Sample Processor

Degradation and contamination of biological samples have been obstacles to scientific study, and may be particularly problematic in highly sensitive molecular-analysis techniques [e.g., PCR of low copy DNA (LCD)]. Use of cryogenic freezing methods for environmental/forensic sample preservation may often be too impractical to be employed. The solution is the Xpedition™ Sample Processor (XSP) and Xpedition™ Sample Prep technologies from Zymo Research. The XSP is a portable, hand-held device developed for vigorous cell disruption (bead beating) that allows the researcher/investigator to "Take the Lab to the Field" and to the site of sample collection.

The XSP can be used to lyse microbes in soil, sediment, sludge, and fecal samples and can effectively process tough-to-lyse fungal, algal, plant, and animal cells and tissues. It can be used at any remote location and in most weather conditions when immediate sample collection and processing are required by the researcher. The device is compatible with most 2.0 ml tubes containing lysis matrix, though ZR BashingBead™ Tubes should be considered for obtaining maximum yields of DNA/RNA/Protein from tough-to-lyse and environmental sample sources.

The XSP consists of a cordless, electric drive unit mounted to a unique, proprietary screw-top lysis chamber. It is designed to operate at full speed for as long as the trigger on the device is actuated and charge remains in the battery. This allows the researcher to maintain precise control of the time and extent of sample lysis.