Enzyme-free and gentle Tissue Dissociation

TIGR® Tissue Grinder & Dissociator

Modern cell research is increasingly relying on single cell analysis. Whether it is cell analysis in fields like immuno-oncology or drug discovery, gentle single cell dissociation from their matrix is a prerequisite for proper single cell analysis.

The TIGR Tissue Grinder & Dissociator is a novel semi-automated tool designed for the mechanical dissociation of tissues into single-cell suspensions. By using a purely mechanical process, it avoids the cleavage of membrane proteins, making it ideal for applications that require intact cellular structures. With the ability to process multiple samples simultaneously, the Tissue Grinder & Dissociator ensures high throughput and reproducible results, making it an essential tool for research in cell biology and tissue analysis.

Key Features

The TIGR system enables fast, enzyme-free tissue dissociation compatible with standard cell strainers. It includes a benchtop instrument and a grinding tube with a rotor-stator unit featuring counter-rotating teeth.

With adjustable parameters—such as duration, rotation, and speed—researchers can tailor protocols easily through the TIGR software. The entire process takes less than two minutes, far quicker than traditional enzyme-based methods that can take up to an hour.

• Rapid, Enzyme-Free Dissociation

Gentle mechanical dissociation is 5–15 times faster than enzyme-based methods.

• Improved Cell Integrity and Purity

The streamlined, single-use workflow minimizes contamination risk.

• Higher Throughput

This benchtop device can process up to four samples simultaneously, boosting efficiency.

• User Friendly

Benefit form our easy-to use software and ready-to use protocols for various sample types

Applications

Gentle single-cell dissociation is essential for accurate single-cell analysis across various applications, including:​

• 3D Tissue Models – Spheroids, Organoids, Tumoroids

• Single Cell Counting

• Single Cell Sequencing

• Isolation of Primary Cells

• Cell Line Development

• Flow Cytometry

• Processing of Tissue Biopsies

The TIGR helps preserve cell integrity, ensuring reliable and reproducible results in these applications.

Technology - How it works

The TIGR Tissue Grinder & Dissociator includes a benchtop device and a sterile, disposable 50mL grinding tube, which features a built-in core unit and a cell strainer.

The grinding unit interlocks with rows of teeth that can be moved against each other. The free rotation of the grinding teeth draws the tissue sample into the free space applying adequate amounts of shearing and milling force to gently isolate single cell from the tissue. The space between the grinding teeth and their fin-shaped geometry allows efficient extraction of viable single cells. The stator is the part that does not move, while the rotor is moved bidirectionally, depending on your customizable programming, allowing for user-defined and -controlled dissociation of the cell tissue.

 

Optimized Workflow: Using the TIGR for tissue grinding and dissociation involves a simple, standardized process. Under sterile conditions, the tissue sample is placed between the rotor and stator, along with a liquid medium for cell suspension. Next, the cell strainer and tube are positioned over the grinding compartment. The tube is then removed from the sterile area and placed upside down in a TIGR slot, allowing the rotor to connect with the slot’s rotation gear. After initiating the grinding protocol through the TIGR software, the tube is removed, flipped right side up, and the suspension passes through the cell strainer. The final steps—centrifugation and resuspension—produce a ready-to-use single-cell suspension. This efficient, easy-to-follow workflow eliminates the need for enzymatic dissociation, saving time, effort, cost, and reducing potential errors.​

Established Protocols

Using default protocol	With protocol optimization
Liver	Skin*
Lung	FFPE*
Heart	Brain
Kidney	Urinary bladder
Spleen	Thyroid
Stomach	Tonsil
Colon	Prostate
Pancreas	Endometrium
Lymph node	Ovary
	Rectum

The left column lists tissues with established TIGR protocols and strong user support, allowing new users to proceed without major adjustments. The right column shows compatible tissues that may require some protocol customization; we offer support and data for these as needed.

*Skin and FFPE tissues benefit from added dissociation enzymes.

If your tissue type isn’t listed, let us know—we’re happy to collaborate on testing and data generation.

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