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.
Low Binding Pre-Filled Tubes
Low Binding Beads undergo a proprietary process that minimizes non-specific adsorption of biomolecules to the bead surface following homogenization.
| 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 |
| Low Binding | 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.