Homogenization Beads
The Bullet Blender uses homogenization beads to strike and grind your samples.
You may choose from a variety of beads suitable for a wide array of samples.
The general rules of thumb for choosing the correct beads for your sample are :
> Choose beads with higher densities for tougher samples
> Choose smaller sizes for tiny samples and cell culture
> Choose larger sizes for tough samples and special applications
Please see our recommended protocols to determine the appropriate bead or bead lysis kit for your sample. (Details links)
Features include:
- Use a volume of beads that is at least half the volume of liquid in the tube.
- Using too few beads may lead to poor homogenization.
- For help determining the appropriate volume of beads, use the bead calculator.
- Use a size of bead proportional to the size of your sample.
- For very small samples, such as cell culture or tiny pieces of tissue, use our smallest beads (0.2mm or below).
- For large chunks of tissue, beads 1.0mm or greater may be needed (Beads larger than 3.5mm are not recommended for microcentrifuge tubes).
- For tougher tissue, use denser beads (e.g. zirconium oxide and stainless steel).
- With soft tissue you can use less dense beads (e.g. glass and zirconium silicate).
- For isolation of organelles, use larger beads (0.5mm or larger for cell culture, 1.0mm or larger for tissue)