Low Binding Beads 

All surfaces have the potential to non-specifically adsorb proteins, DNA and RNA. Zirconium and silica beads are no exception, thus OPS Diagnostics developed the Low Binding bead to help minimize non-specific absorption of molecules to the bead surface. Using a proprietary process, beads are chemically modified to eliminate surface charges, reducing the chance of ionic interactions with solutes than with Acid Washed beads alone. Homogenizing with Low Binding beads yields a greater concentration of solutes and provides greater range and linearity in many assays, especially in real-time PCR.  The use of low binding beads in protein analysis can be found in the application note “Reduction of Nonspecific Binding of Yeast Protein to Grinding Beads”.

Recommend size applications:

100 μm - Bacteria, sonication additive

200 μm - Bacteria, small yeasts (e.g., Pichia)

400 μm - Yeasts (Saccharomyces)

800 μm - Molds, pollen