SiLibeads® glass and ceramic beads – cell disruption

Cell disruption:
Isolation of cell components in biopharmaceutical processes.

Bead beating:
A common mechanical method for cell disruption uses glass, ceramic or steel beads ranging in size from 0.1 mm to 6.0 mm, mixed with a sample suspended in an aqueous medium. The method is known as ‘bead beating’. The beads collide with the sample material through movement, stirring or shaking, opening the cells to release intercellular components. The components range from various types of cell material to spores, as well as animal and plant tissues. The advantages of this method lie in the breaking up of small sample sizes and the high number of samples that can be processed simultaneously. The ‘bead beating’ process depends on the machine, its parameters and the correct selection of bead material and size. Various bead beating machines are available on the market and generate speeds of 2,000 to 20,000 vibrations per minute. High-quality beads are required to prevent contamination of the broken-down products due to increased wear or broken beads.

• Minimal wear: Guarantees contamination-free grinding.
• Excellent stability: High mechanical stability even after sterilisation.
• Chemical resistance: Suitable for use in aggressive pharmaceutical environments.
• Pharmaceutical-specific documentation: All relevant certificates and documentation for pharmaceutical use are available.
• Autoclavable: Sterilisation possible without impairing mechanical properties.