800 µm Acid Washed Silica Beads, Pre-Filled Tubes (100 count) 

Mycelia, microscopic algae, and pollen are the type of cells that can be homogenized with 800 micron silica beads pre-filled tubes.  Less expensive than zirconium, 800 µm silica beads are ideal for isolating DNA from plant tissues and associated pathogens.  Genomic DNA of freeze-dried maize callus was extracted using 800 µm silica beads to quantify resistance reactions against Fusariumhead blight as well as RNA extraction of mosquitoes to monitor the insect transmission. For mechanical disruption of bacteria, this type of bead was used for spore protein extraction of Bacillus globigii, an effective model simulant for bacterial spores, particularly for Bacillus anthracis, the bacterium that causes anthrax.

Silica beads pre-filled tubes are available in acid washed and molecular biology grade format.  Since untreated beads are notorious for containing large amounts of debris and dust, all beads are acid washed to remove organic impurities and then baked.  Molecular biology grade beads are baked a second time to ensure all contaminants are destroyed.

Molecular biology grade beads are certified nucleic acid, DNase, RNase, and protease-free.  They are most appropriate for molecular biology applications, including PCR, which may be hindered by the presence of nucleases and /or proteases.

Pre-filled tubes are a convenient solution for labs seeking time savings by no longer requiring researchers to weigh, fill and QC individual tubes.   They are available in 2 mL skirted (i.e., self-standing) or unskirted (i.e., conical bottom) polypropylene tubes to ensure compatibility with most tube homogenizers. Clear screw caps with O-rings included.