Get the same number of beads every time
The use of beads in the life science industry has many benefits. Beads are available in a variety of materials, size, and color. However, there is a constraint to their use in that after a very short period of time the bead suspension often becomes non-uniform (e.g., partitions, settles,or floats depending on density). Current techniques to address the dispensing of this non-uniform suspension can be problematic; and is extremely difficult in small reaction volumes. The result is often sample-to-sample variation of bead number. This is especially deleterious if the beads are clumped, which ofter occurs during washing and/or separating processes.

This problem may be compounded when beads are used in automated robot screening cells. The non-contact AFA process is able to keep beads (even Yttrium based SPA beads) in a uniform suspension without microclumps being present (as is often the case).

The Covaris products are ideally suited to constant or intermittent mixing depending on your needs.

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