Everything about Homogenization totally explained
Homogenization (or
homogenisation) is a term used in many fields such as
chemistry,
agricultural science,
food technology,
sociology and
cell biology. Homogenization is a term connoting a process that makes a mixture the same throughout the entire substance.
Chemistry
Intensive mixing of mutually insoluble
phases (sometimes with addition of
surfactants) to obtain a soluble
suspension or
emulsion.
In science:
- Homogeneous — a mixture that's the same(uniform) throughout.
- Heterogeneous — a mixture consisting of dissimilar elements or parts.
Food technology
One of the oldest applications of homogenization is in
milk processing, where the aim is to prevent or delay the natural separation of
cream from the rest of the
emulsion. The fat in milk normally separates from the water and collects at the top. Homogenization is the process of breaking up that fat into smaller sizes so that it no longer separates from the milk, allowing the sale of non-separating 2% and whole milk. This is accomplished by forcing the milk at high pressure through small orifices.
When soft solids are
milled in a liquid, this can also be seen as a form of homogenization. Among the many types of equipment that can be used for this process are
extruders,
hammermills and
colloid mills.
Sociology and history
In sociology and history, the term
homogenization has largely negative meanings, indicating a drive towards uniformity, militarism, obedience and conformism. This is often superimposed forcibly by the state, but can also be the result of global economic forces (Conversi 2007). The term
homogenization has a close relationship to
Americanization.
Cell biology
Homogenization is a process that involves breaking apart cells — releasing organelles and
cytoplasm. When the purpose is to extract
organelles, it's frequently done in two steps; first using a
blender to break the
tissue up, and then with an
ultrasonic or mechanical tissue disruptor. The organelles are then generally separated using
differential centrifugation. Depending upon the subcellular fraction wanted, different processes are used to separate them. When the aim is to extract
nucleic acids, the tissue is often ground in a
mortar and pestle under
liquid nitrogen.
Sometimes, however, a much milder procedure is followed, where the aim is to collect whole, intact cells. Homogenized cells must be kept at low temperatures to prevent
autolysis and kept in an
isotonic solution to prevent
osmotic damage.
Further Information
Get more info on 'Homogenization'.
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