Low Binding grinding beads are treated with a proprietary process that alters the surface of the bead resulting in less non-specific binding to its surface (see application note).
Low Binding beads consistently provide better protein and nucleic acid yields. When used to prepare bacteria for quantitative PCR, improved yields lead greater range and linearity.
Silica beads are suitable for general grinding applications while zirconium beads have greater density and thus high impact power.
| Beads | Silica (Glass) | Zirconium |
| 100 µm | Bacteria gram (-) | Bacteria gram (+), sonication additive |
| 200 µm | N/A | Bacteria, small yeasts (e.g., Pichia) |
| 400 µm | Yeasts (Saccharomyces) | Yeasts (Saccharomyces) |
| 800 µm | Molds, pollen | Molds, pollen |
Larger bead sizes are available, upon request.