The efficiency of bead homogenization relies on several factors, including the material and size of the beads. Benchmark offers a variety of bead options to meet a wide range of samples
Silica (glass) homogenizer beads are ready to use – acid washed and heat treated to remove contaminants and render them nuclease and protease free. 0.1mm diameter beads are the best choice for homogenization of gram positive and negative bacteria. 0.5mm diameter beads are used to homogenize bacteria, fungi, spores, molds and small yeasts. 1.0mm diameter beads can be used to homogenize fungi, spores, algae and larger yeasts.
Triple-Pure™ Zirconium Homogenizer beads are ready to use and certified nuclease and protease free. The tubes are filled in a process that is tested by qPCR to be free of stray DNA. (6mm satellites are acid washed and heat treated, but not certified.)
Different sizes of beads are useful for the following sample types:
-0.1mm diameter beads: gram positive and negative bacteria.
-0.5mm diameter beads: bacteria, fungi, spores, molds and small yeasts
-1.0mm diameter beads: fungi, spores, algae and larger yeasts
-1.5mm diameter beads: soft tissues such as adipose and liver, small insects
-3mm diameter beads: harder tissues such as heart and lung, tumor samples
-6mm diameter satellite: very hard tissues such as seeds, dry grinding, hair
Stainless steel homogenizer beads are available in 2.8mm and 5mm diameter sizes. Steel beads are much denser than zirconium and are useful for homogenization of harder samples as well as dry grinding. Beads are alcohol washed and heat treated to remove contaminants and render them nuclease free.
Some samples require a mixture of beads for efficient homogenization.
-Garnet shards/6mm zirconium satellite for samples high in collagen such as skin
-0.1mm Silica, 1.4 mm Zirconium & 4mm Silica beads for fecal samples and soils
Beads and shards are acid washed and heat treated to remove contaminants and render them nuclease free. Garnet shards are also available separately.
The prefilled tubes are supplied in prefilled 2ml tubes (pack of 50). Some are also available in 5ml tubes. The tubes are screw capped, non-skirted, and will fit most bead homogenizers. Loose bulk beads are also available.
- Silica (glass), TriplePure™ Zirconium, Steel and mixed formats
- Range of sizes to meet a variety of sample needs
- Prefilled tubes, ready to use
- Compatible with most bead homogenizers
