The Mini-Beadbeater-96 is high-energy, high-throughput cell disrupter. In a single 1-3 minute batch run it handles up to 192 samples using a deep-well microplate format or 45 samples in 1.5 or 2 ml screw-cap microvials. In a busy day thousands of samples can be processed.
The MiniBeadbeater-96 disrupts cells and tissue by violently shaking a sample inside a classic 2 ml microvial or standard deep well microplate partially filled with tiny ceramic or steel beads. Complete cell disruption is achieved in 2 to 3 minutes of beadbeating. A common application is nucleic acid extraction. Up to 400 mg of tissue is added to a vial containing glass or ceramic beads and a nucleic acid extraction solution...the later often purchased as a kit reagent. The synergy of combinig mechanical cell disruption and nucleic acid extraction simultaneously gives very high yields of high quality RNA or DNA. Protocols developed earlier using smaller capacity models of the MBB are transferable with little if any modification.
The MiniBeadbeater can also be used for dry grinding. In this application, ceramic or steel beads are added to to vials containing hard, dry samples such as hair, bone, teeth, seeds and minerals. Softer materials such as biological tissue, rubber or plastics can be powdered by first pre-freezing the sample to liq N2 temperatures (called Cryo-grinding). A solid aluminum vial holder can be utilized to maintain cryogenic temperatures during beadbeating.
One 45 capacity microvial rack, 702VH45, is included. Beads and vials will vary with the application and should be ordered separately.
The MiniBeadbeater-96 uses a huge 1 hp induction motor. No other beadbeater on the market has higher shaking energies available for cell disruption. Power requirements for the 115 VAC MBB-96 is 20 amps, and for the 230 VAC machine it is 10 amps.