Silica beads are widely used for disrupting biological samples, and 400 µm silica beads are ideal for disrupting cells and tissues larger than bacteria but not as dense as muscle. Yeasts, algae, and small filamentous fungi can all be homogenized using 400 micron silica beads. In addition, this type of beads has also been used for RNA isolation of hippocampal or liver tissue samples to determine whether P2X7 receptor antagonist A804598 can mitigate alcohol-induced neuroinflammation and liver inflammation.
Silica beads are available in acid washed and molecular biology grade format. Since untreated beads are notorious for containing large amounts of debris and dust, all beads are acid washed and further baked to remove organized impurities. Molecular biology grade beads are baked twice to ensure they are free of contaminants.
Molecular Biology Grade Beads are certified nucleic acid, DNase, RNase, and protease-free. They are most appropriate for molecular biology applications, including PCR, which may be hindered by the presence of nucleases and/ or proteases.
Pre-Filled Tubes are a convenient solution for labs seeking time savings by no longer requiring researchers to weigh, fill and QC individual tubes. They are available in 2 mL skirted (i.e., self-standing) or unskirted (i.e., conical bottom) polypropylene tubes to ensure compatibility with most tube homogenizers. Clear screw caps with O-rings included.
Citations
Freire, D.; Reyes, R. E.; Baghram, A.; Davies, D. L.; Asatryan, L. P2X7 Receptor Antagonist A804598 Inhibits Inflammation in Brain and Liver in C57BL/6J Mice Exposed to Chronic Ethanol and High Fat Diet. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2019, 14 (2), 263–277. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11481-018-9816-3. (P2X7 receptor antagonist A804598 significantly reduces inflammation in both the brain and liver of C57BL/6J mice exposed to chronic ethanol and a high-fat diet)
