Bead beating can be performed in a variety of vessels, including tubes, vials and plates.
OPS Diagnostics' grinding vials are self-standing and have a re-enforced flat bottom to prevent cracking of the base during homogenization.
Considerations when selecting a grinding vessel:
- Vial Composition: Polycarbonate (PC) is preferred over polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene (PE)as it is durable, clear and impact resistant.
- Sample Properties: Most temperature sensitive samples require cryogenic grinding.
- Sample volume/ amount: Over or under filling vessels can lead to inefficient homogenization and damage the vessel.
- Homogenizer: Not all homogenizers can take different vials sizes.
See the table below for general overview on the different vial options.
For a more in depth comparison please visit our, Selecting Grinding Vials for Sample Homogenization page.
| Disruption Tube | 4 ml Grinding Vial | 15 ml Grinding Vial | 50 ml Grinding Vial | |
| Characteristics | ||||
| Material | PP | PE PC |
PC | PC |
| Dimensions (in) | 0.4 x 1.7 | 0.5 x 2 | 1.125 x 1.667 | 1.125 x 3.5 |
| Bottom | Skirted or conical | Flat | Flat re-enforced | Flat re-enforced |
| Working volume | 0.5-0.8 ml | 0.5-2 ml | 2-8 ml | 9-16 ml |
| Autoclavable | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cryogenic Capability | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Grinding Media | Vary | 1 x 3/8" ball | 2 x 7/16" balls | 2 x 7/16" balls 2 x 9/16" balls |
| Samples | ||||
| Plant Tissue | up to 100 mg | 100-200 mg | Up to 1 gm | 1-3 gm |
| Seeds | - | ≤ 500 mg (1 kernel) | ≤ 4 gm (≈10 kernels) | 4-8 gm (≈22 kernels) |
| Animal Tissue | Up to 100 mg | 100-200 mg | Up to 2 gm | 2-4 gm |