Microcentrifuge tubes filled with grinding media (e.g., beads or balls), are widely used to homogenize samples, such as microorganisms and tissue. OPS Diagnostics offers convenient, ready-to-use pre-filled disruption tubes in multiple configurations, minimizing preparation time by researchers. All OPS Diagnostics’ grinding media is cleaned to remove impurities and available in a variety of materials, sizes and treatment types. Bead sizes range from 100 µm - 6 mm, and tubes are available in skirted (i.e., self-standing) or unskirted (i.e., conical) tubes. .jpg)
Pre-filled tubes are offered with Zirconium Silicate (“Zirconium”), Silica, Mixed Media and Stainless Steel grinding media. All grinding media will generate heat during sample processing.
Acid Washed Pre-Filled Tubes
Acid Washed Beads are washed in an acidic solution and oven baked to remove detrimental contaminants found in raw beads.
Molecular Biology Grade Pre-Filled Tubes
Molecular Biology Grade Beads undergo the same process as acid washed and then are further processed and aseptically packaged. They are certified free of nucleic acids.
| Silica | Zirconium | Stainless Steel | Mixed Media | |
| Size Range | 100 - 800 µm | 100 µm - 3 mm | 2.8 mm | Combines beads of different sizes, they range from 100 µm - 6 mm |
| Advantage(s) | Most cost effective, generates least amount of heat during grinding | Chemically inert, higher density and hardness than Silica | Highest density and hardness, precision cut for exact sizing | Efficient at grinding mixed cultures and environmental samples |
| Disadvantage(s) | Least dense | Generates more heat than Silica | Reacts with organic solvents, generates most amount of heat | |
| Treatments | ||||
| Acid-washed | Available | Available | Available | Available |
| Molecular Biology | Available | Available for 100 - 800 µm* | Not Available | Not Available |
*Larger sizes are available upon request, please contact us.
Please contact us at info@opsdx.com for your custom prefilled tube requests.