Product Details
The efficiency of bead homogenization depends on several factors, including the material and size of the beads. Benchmark offers a variety of bead options suitable for a wide range of samples. Silica (glass) homogenizer beads are ready to use, acid washed, and heat treated to eliminate contaminants and ensure they are nuclease and protease free. 0.1 mm diameter beads are optimal for homogenizing gram-positive and negative bacteria, while 0.5 mm diameter beads are designed for bacteria, fungi, spores, molds, and small yeasts. For fungi, spores, algae, and larger yeasts, 1.0 mm diameter beads are appropriate. Additionally, 1.5 mm diameter beads are effective for soft tissues such as adipose and liver, as well as small insects, whereas 3 mm diameter beads are suitable for harder tissues like heart, lung, and tumor samples. The very hard tissues, including seeds and dry grinding materials, can be homogenized using 6 mm diameter satellites. Stainless steel homogenizer beads in 2.8 mm and 5 mm sizes are available; these steel beads are denser than zirconium, making them useful for homogenizing harder samples and for dry grinding. Beads are alcohol washed and heat treated to ensure they are nuclease free. Some specific sample types may require a mixture of beads, such as garnet shards combined with 6 mm zirconium satellites for collagen-rich samples like skin, or 0.1 mm silica, 1.4 mm zirconium, and 4 mm silica beads for fecal samples and soils. All beads and shards are acid washed and heat treated to remove contaminants and guarantee they are nuclease free.
