The Mini-BeadBeater-24 disrupts microbial cells and plant and animal tissue by violently agitating four to twenty-four 2 ml screw-cap microvials containing small glass, ceramic or steel beads and 0.1 to 1 ml disruption buffer. Even resistant samples like yeast, spores or fibrous tissue are completely homogenized in 1-3 minutes. The non-foaming, aerosol-free method preserves enzymes and organelles. In the presence of nucleic acid extraction media such as phenol, Gu-SCN or a commercial kit solution, DNA or RNA is recovered in the highest possible yield. The method is ideal for PAGE, PCR applications, and diagnostics using antibody or oligonucleotide probes. Because the beads and vials are disposable, there is absolutely zero cross-contamination between samples - essential for PCR techniques.
Protocols developed using a different model of the Mini-BeadBeater are transferable with minimal modification. The performance of the Mini-BeadBeater equals or exceeds that of any other type or brand of cell disrupter.
The Mini-Beadbeater-24 can also be used for dry grinding. Here, steel beads are added to hard samples such as hair, bone, teeth, seeds and minerals and are completely powdered in 10-60 seconds of operation. Softer materials such as biological tissue, rubber or plastics can be powdered by pre-freezing the sample to liquid nitrogen temperatures (cryo-grinding). Dry gringing requires using special microvials resistant to breakage. When dry grinding with ceramic or steel beads at room temperature our 'XXTuff' microvials are recommended. Our stainless steel microvials are available for dry grinding with steel beads at cryo-temperatures.