products for

SONICATION
Probe Sonicators / Multi-sample Processors /Cooled Sonication Platform / Accessories

Active Motif’s EpiShear™ sonication products are ideal for shearing chromatin
and DNA for use in chromatin immunoprecipitaion (ChIP), DNA methylation
studies and Next-Generation sequencing. They can also be used for cell
disruption, RNA shearing and other homogenization applications. Active Motif’s
ultrasonic processors are designed for ease of use and include features likefully programmable digital generators that give you the control needed toget the most reproducible results possible.

AVAILABLE PRODUCTS:•EpiShear™ Probe Sonicator•Probe Sonicator Accessories•EpiShear™ Cooled Sonication Platform•

Q800R1 Sonicator®

•

Polystyrene Sonication Tubes•

ChIP Assays

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EPISHEAR™ SONICATORSREPRODUCIBLE SONICATION FOR MORE CONSISTENT RESULTS
Active Motif’s EpiShear™ sonication systems are designed for ease of use andultimate control to ensure the highest degree of sample-to-sample reproducibility.
Keypad programming and digital displays clearly display all parameters andoptions, making it easy to control sonicator functions, such as amplitude, pulse
cycles and processing times, with the simple touch of a button. Once you
determine optimal settings, the fully programmable system enables you to savethese parameters to ensure consistency with subsequent sonications.

FEATURES:KEYPAD PROGRAMMING & DIGITAL DISPLAYS
Intuitive inputs make optimization simpler
and enable real-time monitoring

CONTROL ANY SONICATORFUNCTION WITH A

SIMPLE TOUCHAMPLITUDE / INTENSITY CONTROL
Microprocessor-controlled units can be set toexact amplitudes ranging from 20% to 100%PROGRAMMABLE OPERATION
Hands-free operation; manual modealso available
PULSE MODE
Prevent heat buildup in temperaturesensitive samples
COMPACT DESIGN
Take up less space than other units forbenchtop useDigitalDisplay
Bar Graphof % Power
Start/StopSonication

Power On
SetTimer
Set Pulse
On/Off Times

Power Off

AdjustAmplitude

Set
Amplitude

For more information and a complete list of available sonicator products, visit us at www.activemotif.com/sonicator.

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DIRECT vs. INDIRECT SONICATIONDIRECT SONICATION
Energy transmission by inserting a probe directly into a sample, or direct sonication,is the most common method of sample processing. This method delivers highintensity sonication to a concentrated area for fast and efficient processing.
Our Probe Sonicator utilizes direct sonication, as theprobe tip is inserted directly into the sample. This
results in a high-intensity energy transfer so the sample
is processed relatively quickly. The diameter of theprobe tip dictates the amount of sample that can beeffectively processed. Therefore, a range of sample
sizes can be sheared simply by changing probes.

INDIRECT SONICATIONWith our Q800R1 processor, ultrasonic energy is transferred from a horn and distributed
through water and into sample tubes. Indirect sonication offers the advantage ofmulti-sample processing making it ideally suited for high-throughput applications.
In addition to increased throughput and reduced
hands-on time, indirect sonication is also more effectivefor very small samples because foaming and sample
loss are eliminated. Because the samples remain insealed tubes, there is no chance of cross-contamination. Moreover, the absence of aerosol formation
makes indirect sonication a better method for working
with pathogenic samples (viruses, mycobacteria, etc.)
or with samples that must remain sterile.

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EPISHEAR™ PROBE SONICATOREXPERIENCE THE VERSATILITY OF PROBE SONICATIONThe EpiShear Probe Sonicator is ideal for shearing chromatin, DNA and RNA, orfor cell disruption and homogenization. With a variety of microtip probe sizes
available, you can process samples ranging from 200 µl to 50 ml. In addition,
the EpiShear Probe Sonicator offers adjustable amplitude, adjustable pulse anda programmable timer to allow modification of sonication conditions fordetermining the optimal settings for your sample and application.

Direct Sonication provided by a probe is themost common method used for sample
processing since it delivers high intensity
sonication and enables the focus of energy
transmission to a small, concentrated area.
Each unit is supplied complete with:
••
•
•
•

an ultrasonic electric generator
a piezoelectric converter
a 1/8” microtip probea wrench set for changing probes
power & converter cables

EpiShear™ Probe Sonicator

The unit is backed by a two-year warranty.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Input Voltage:Cat. No. 53051: 100V - 120V @ 50/60 Hz
Cat. No. 53052: 220V - 240V @ 50/60 Hz

Adjustable Amplitude:

20% - 100%Programmable Timer:

1 second to 10 hours

Generator Dimensions:8.0" W x 13.75" L x 5.75" H
7.0 lbs.
(203 mm x 349 mm x 146 mm)(2.2 Kg)

Sample size:(probe dependent)
Adjustable Pulse:Power Rating:
Frequency:

200 µl - 50 ml(500 µl - 15 ml with included 1/8” probe)1 second to 59 seconds
120 watts
20 kHzFor more information, please visit us at www.activemotif.com/probe.

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3PROBE SONICATOR ACCESSORIESSTANDARD PROBES TO ADAPT TO ANY SAMPLE SIZEThe EpiShear™ Probe Sonicator is adaptable to a wide
range of sample sizes. The supplied 1/8” microtip probe
enables processing of samples from 500 µl to 15 ml. Smaller
and larger size probes are also available to provide flexibility
in range from 200 µl to 50 ml. Smaller tip diameters deliver
high intensity energy to a small, concentrated area. Larger tip
diameters can process larger volumes, but offer lower intensity.
5/64”, 1/8” and 1/4” microtip probes forthe EpiShear™ Probe Sonicator

SPECIFICATIONS FOR MICROTIP PROBES:
Cat. No.

Tip Diameter

Sample Size

Amplitude

53056

5/64"
(2 mm)

200 µl - 5 ml

200 µm(very high)

53053

1/8"
(3.2 mm)

500 µl - 15 ml

180 µm(high)

53057

1/4"(6.4 mm)

10 ml - 50 ml

120 µm(medium)

ADDITIONAL ACCESSORY PRODUCTS FOR THE
EPISHEAR™ PROBE SONICATOR
A variety of other accessory products
are also available for use with theEpiShear Probe Sonicator, including theEpiShear™ Cooled Sonication Platform(opposite page), a converter standfor hands-free use, a sound enclosurethat reduces sonication noise volume
by ~35 db, and a footswitch forconvenient delivery of short pulses
when using the unit in manual mode.

EpiShear™ probe sonicator accessory products
Shown from left to right are the converter stand for hands-freeuse, a sound enclosure for noise reduction and a footswitch to use
for generating pulses when using the unit in manual mode.

For more complete information, please visit us at www.activemotif.com/epishear.

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EPISHEAR™ COOLED SONICATION PLATFORM
ENHANCE THE REPRODUCIBILITY OF ANY PROBE SONICATOR
The most important factor of sonication is reproducibility. The EpiShear Cooled
Sonication Platform enhances sample-to-sample reproducibility by enabling you
to precisely position the probe at the same depth in the sample every sonication.
Once you determine the optimal settings for sonication,
recreate them every time with the EpiShear Cooled
Sonication Platform. The durable stainless steel andaluminum platform includes a hand crank, a height
counter and a vertical alignment tool. The platform is
supplied mounted inside a sound enclosure.
Also included is a Tube Cooler (available for microfuge,
15 ml and 50 ml tubes) that ensures that the sample
stays cold throughout the entire sonication, eliminating
the need to move samples to an ice bucket betweenpulses. With programmable sonicators like our EpiShear™
Probe Sonicator, you can simply set your parameters,press Start, then walk away.
EpiShear™ Cooled Sonication Platform
Sample 1

SampleAverage

Range (bp)1

325 bp55-10882322 bp46-9883

320 bp54-1012

Sample 2

Sample 3

Bioanalyzer data confirms reproducibility
Three different samples of sheared chromatin were prepared from HeLa cells using the EpiShearProbe Sonicator (1/8” probe) and the ChIP-IT® Express Kit. Each sample was sonicated using theidentical settings on the Cooled Sonication Platform. Analysis performed using an Agilent 2100
Bioanalyzer shows that all 3 samples were sheared to near identical average sizes and comparable
size ranges. (The 15 bp and 1500 bp peaks in the graphs above are DNA markers that correspondto the green and purple bars present in the gels.)

To learn more and for ordering information, visit www.activemotif.com/platform.

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5Q800R1 SONICATOR®
ULTRASONIC HORN FOR MULTI-SAMPLE PROCESSING
The Q800R1 Sonicator uses a high-intensity ultrasonic horn for batch processing. Theunit can shear up to eight samples of chromatin or DNA simultaneously ranging
in volume from 50 µl - 1.2 ml each. The Q800R1 includes a fully programmable,
digitally controlled generator to make it easy to monitor and optimize shearing
conditions and to reproduce them in subsequent sonications for the mostconsistent and reliable results.

The Q800R1 ultrasonic horn is mounted inside anacrylic water bath that includes a tube rotator (inset)
to ensure all samples are processed equally. The horn/water bath is housed in a compact sound enclosure
to reduce sonication noise (center). The water bathcan be plumbed via quick-connect hoses to athermoelectric chiller (left), which keeps the samples
at 3-4°C during sonication. Each unit features:a powerful 750-watt generator• a compact sound enclosure• 8-sample tube holder for 1.5 ml polystyrene tubes• a chiller for continuous cooling of the samples•

EpiShear™ Q800R1 Sonicator

The ultrasonic processor is backed by a one-year warranty.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Input Voltage:Cat. No. 53062: 100V - 120V @ 50/60 Hz
Cat. No. 53063: 220V - 240V @ 50/60 Hz

Adjustable Amplitude:

20% - 100%Programmable Timer:

1 second to 10 hours

Ultrasonic Horn/Sound
Enclosure Dimensions:13.0” D x 20.25” H x 11.5” W 30.0 lbs.
(330 mm x 514 mm x 292 mm)(13.6 Kg)

Sample size:
Frequency:
Adjustable Pulse:Power Rating:Generator
Dimensions:

1-8 samples (50 µl - 1.2 ml per sample) in 1.5 ml vials
20 kHz1 second to 59 seconds
750 watts
15.0" D x 9.0" H x 8.0" W
16.0 lbs.
(381 mm x 229 mm x 203 mm)(7.3 Kg)

For more information on the Q800R1 Sonicator and Thermoelectric Chiller, visit www.activemotif.com/q800r.

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POLYSTYRENE SONICATION TUBESENHANCED ENERGY TRANSFER FOR MORE EFFICIENT SHEARING
Polystyrene transfers sonic wave energy much more efficiently than polypropylene.
Use of polypropylene tubes in indirect sonication has been shown to reduce theextent to which the chromatin is sheared. Therefore, Active Motif highly recommends
that its Polystyrene Sonication Tubes be used with its Q800R1 Sonicator®.

Because ultrasonic horn sonicators use an indirect
shearing method that requires the ultrasonicwave energy to distribute through the water
bath and pass through the wall of the tube, thecomposition of the tube is a critical determinantof the efficiency of the energy transfer.
The use of polystyrene tubes significantly
improves energy transfer and overall shearing
efficiency over polypropylene options, with far
less high-molecular weight material remaining
after sonication. Therefore, for optimal resultsfrom a multi-sample processor, Active Motif highly
recommends the use of its Polystyrene Sonication
Tubes for indirect sonication including with Active
Motif’s Q800R1 Sonicator.

Polystyrene Sonication Tubes

Improved shearing results using polystyrene tubes versus polypropylene tubes
Sheared chromatin was prepared from 20 µg per sample of 3T3 cells using the Q800R1 Sonicator
at 50% amplitude for 10 minutes. The samples were sheared in either Active Motif’s Polystyrene
Sonication Tubes (Lanes 2-3) or standard polypropylene tubes (Lanes 4-5). Gel analysis showsthat, although all samples were processed simultaneously, the chromatin prepared in the polystyrene
tubes was sheared more efficiently and display much lower average lengths. A large percentageof the samples processed in polypropylene tubes remains at the top of the gel, as the shearing
efficiency in polypropylene was relatively poor.

To learn more and for ordering information, visit www.activemotif.com/pstubes.

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7ChIP ASSAYSNEED ChIP RESULTS IN A HURRY?
ChIP-IT® Express, the most published ChIP kit on the market, was the first ChIP kit to use
magnetic beads. This reduced background and streamlined the ChIP protocol by
eliminating many steps required in conventional agarose bead-based protocols.
With ChIP-IT Express, washing and elution steps are
faster and more efficient because centrifugation is
replaced by magnetic pull-down. The result is higher
sensitivity, a reduction in the input sample amount to
100,000 cells per assay, and a condensed protocolthat can be completed in 1 day. For more information
on ChIP-IT Express, visit www.activemotif.com/ chipit.

Binding events detected per 1000 cells

6005004003002001000
Negative PrimerSet 1

NegativeGene Desert

Positive Primer Set
GAPDH-2

ChIP using Histone H3K4me3 antibody and ChIP-IT® Expressof enriched MCF7 chromatin DNA show enrichment of H3K4me3
at GAPDH promoters but not at gene deserts, as expected.

TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR CHIP
ChIP analysis of transcription factors presents a challenge because of their low abundance and low / transient affinity to chromatin. ChIP-IT® High Sensitivity was specifically

ChIP-IT High Sensitivity is also ideal for performing
ChIP using low-affinity antibodies or limited sample
amounts. As little as 1,000 cell equivalents forhigh abundance proteins, or 50,000 for lowabundance proteins, can be used for each
ChIP reaction. DNA purification components
are also included to streamline preparationof samples for downstream analysis. To learn
more, visit www.activemotif.com/ chipiths.

8Binding events detected / 1,000 cells

designed for performing ChIP on transcription factors or similar low-abundance targets.
ChIP Kits Targeting Low Abundance Transcription Factors
30

20

NCOA2 antibody
Neg Ctrl IgG

High background

10No enrichmentNon-specific binding

0Neg Ctrl ESRRA Neg Ctrl ESRRA Neg Ctrl ESRRA Neg Ctrl ESRRA
primers primers primers primers primers primers primers primers

ChIP-IT® HS

Competitor M

Competitor I

Competitor D

ChIP-IT® High Sensitivity is the only ChIP kit to successfully enrich for low
abundance transcription factors with minimal background signal

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ORDERING INFORMATIONEPISHEAR™ PROBE SONICATOR & ACCESSORIES
Product
EpiShear™ Probe Sonicator
EpiShear™ 5/64” (2 mm) Sonicator Probe
EpiShear™ 1/8” (3.2 mm) Sonicator Probe
EpiShear™ 1/4” (6.4 mm) Sonicator Probe
Support Stand / Converter Clamp
Sound Enclosure
Footswitch
EpiShear™ Replacement Converter
EpiShear™ Cooled Sonication Platform, 1.5 ml
EpiShear™ Cooled Sonication Platform, 15 ml
EpiShear™ Cooled Sonication Platform, 50 ml
Benchtop 1.5 ml Tube Cooler
Benchtop 15 ml Tube Cooler
Benchtop 50 ml Tube CoolerFormat

Cat. No.

110V

53051

230V
1 probe1 probe1 probe1 unit1 enclosure
1 unit1 unit1 platform
1 platform
1 platform
1 cooler
1 cooler
1 cooler

53052
53056
53053
53057
53054
53060
53059
53058
53080
53081
53082
53076
53077
53078

Q800R1 SONICATOR® & ACCESSORIES
ProductFormat

Cat. No.

110V
230V
200 tubes
1000 tubes

53062
53063
53071
53072

ProductFormat

Cat. No.

ChIP-IT® Express
ChIP-IT® Express Shearing Kit (included in 53008)
ChIP-IT® High Sensitivity

25 rxns
10 rxns
16 rxns
30 rxns
5 rxns
40 rxns (1 ml)
200 rxns (5 ml)

Q800R1 Sonicator®
Sonication Tubes / Caps, 1.5 ml polystyrene

ChIP PRODUCTS

Protein G Agarose Columns
ChIP-IT® Protein G Magnetic Beads
ChIP-IT® Protein G Magnetic Beads

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53008
53032
53040
53039
53037
53033
53034

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