The Bullet Blender® uses beads to strike and grind your samples inside a sample tube. Create single cell suspensions, lyse whole tissue, or isolated bacteria from a whole tissue. By selecting the appropriate size and material of beads, you can successfully process a wide array of samples. Alternatively, bead lysis kits (sample tubes pre-filled with beads) can be used to remove the guesswork from bead selection.
Bead Selection for Homogenization
When choosing beads for homogenizing your sample, consider the following factors to achieve the best results:
- Select denser beads for tougher samples to generate more energetic impacts during homogenization. For instance, stainless steel beads work particularly well for tough samples.
- Opt for smaller beads for tiny samples and cell culture to ensure thorough homogenization.
- Choose larger beads for tough samples and special applications for effective grinding and slicing. Stainless steel beads with a ridge, known as “UFO” shapes, are especially beneficial for such purposes.
To simplify your bead selection, explore our Bead Sample Packs and Bead Lysis Kits. The pre-filled bead lysis kits include optimized bead combinations for various sample types, saving you time on method optimization.
Why Bead Size and Shape Matter
During vigorous agitation, denser beads generate greater momentum, resulting in more effective homogenization. The size and shape of the beads are crucial in achieving optimal results. Alternative bead shapes, like the “UFO” design, can enhance the homogenization process by providing efficient slicing and grinding.
Streamline your experiments with Proven Protocols
Our protocols are designed for various sample types, allowing you to focus more on obtaining results and less on optimization. Visit our protocol page for more information and to find the right protocol for your needs.
By selecting the appropriate bead composition, size, and shape, you can ensure efficient and effective homogenization for a wide range of samples.
Maintain Sample Temperatures at 4°C
During homogenization, your samples can heat up due to internal vibrations, deformation, and friction between the beads and sample. That’s why Next Advance designed the new Bullet Blender® Gold+. Unlike competing homogenizers, it keeps samples at 4°C using an integrated cooling system.
The Gold+ cooling system monitors how hard the motor is working and adjusts the flow of air past the dry ice or liquid nitrogen and then past the sample tubes. The air removes heat as it travels past the sample tubes, maintaining the ideal temperature. Whether you use liquid nitrogen or dry ice, the Gold+ accommodates both cooling options, giving you the flexibility to choose whichever is available or more convenient.
