Name: Silica Nanospheres – Aminated - 20 nm
Brand: Molecular Depot
SKU: B2013949
Price: 695.00 USD
Availability: InStock

<h2 data-section-id="15is5ca" data-start="0" data-end="63">What are silica beads used for in nucleic acid purification?</h2>
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Silica beads bind DNA and RNA through a chaotropic salt (such as guanidinium isothiocyanate)-mediated surface interaction, the same chemistry used in traditional silica spin-column purification. In bead-based formats, this replaces centrifuge columns with either free beads or magnetic beads, enabling scalable and high-throughput workflows. After cell lysis, nucleic acids bind to the silica surface, contaminants are removed through wash steps, and purified DNA/RNA is finally eluted. Related entities include chaotropic lysis buffers (e.g., guanidinium isothiocyanate), magnetic separation racks, DNA/RNA and plasmid extraction workflows, and 96-well high-throughput purification systems.
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<h2 dir="ltr">What you will discover: </h2>
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Nucleic Acid Binding Matrices: Tailored silica frameworks designed for optimal capture of genomic, plasmid, or viral nucleic acids in automated extraction processes.
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Mechanical Disruption Medium: Stiff, finely granulated silica particles designed for the careful yet effective mechanical disintegration of delicate cell walls and weak cellular membranes.
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Inert Solid-Phase Supports: High-density silicon dioxide spheres designed to serve as neutral structural frameworks for personalized chemical synthesis and specific surface coatings.
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<h2 data-section-id="pmcf2s" data-start="894" data-end="931">How to choose silica bead products</h2>
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Magnetic vs. non-magnetic silica beads
Silica-coated magnetic beads contain a magnetic core surrounded by a silica surface and are captured using a magnetic stand or plate. They eliminate centrifugation steps and are ideal for automation and 96-well or high-throughput workflows. Non-magnetic silica beads require centrifugation for separation but can be more cost-effective for smaller-scale experiments.
Binding ratio and protocol optimization
Silica bead protocols often depend on precise ratios of bead suspension, lysate, and alcohol (such as isopropanol) to promote efficient nucleic acid binding. Following the validated protocol ratios is important because deviations can significantly affect yield and reproducibility.
Target nucleic acid type
Some silica bead systems are optimized for total nucleic acid extraction (DNA and RNA together), while others are designed specifically for genomic DNA, plasmid DNA, or total RNA (including small RNA fractions). The choice should match the downstream application such as PCR, RT-qPCR, or sequencing.
DNase/RNase treatment compatibility
Silica bead workflows may include enzymatic digestion steps either before binding or after elution, depending on whether the goal is to isolate RNA or DNA selectively. Correct placement of these steps is important to avoid loss of target nucleic acid.
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<h2 data-section-id="1fljvas" data-start="3182" data-end="3207">Specifications context</h2>
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Silica bead performance is commonly described in terms of nucleic acid binding capacity, typically expressed as micrograms of DNA or RNA per unit volume of bead suspension. Elution is generally performed in low-salt buffers or nuclease-free water to ensure compatibility with downstream enzymatic reactions such as PCR, RT-qPCR, or sequencing library preparation. Magnetic silica bead systems are widely used in automated extraction platforms due to their scalability and reduced handling steps.&nbsp;
This sub-category is part of MBP's microbeads catalog alongside magnetic particles and beads, which extend similar magnetic separation chemistry to protein purification and immunoassays. For mechanical disruption workflows prior to extraction, researchers may also use glass beads or zirconium beads. MBP's specialist team can help confirm binding capacity, bead format, and workflow compatibility for a specific nucleic acid extraction protocol before order placement.
<a href="https://mbpinc.net/contact-us">Reach out to the friendly team</a> at MBP now to get a quote.

Silica Beads

Molecular Depot

Key Specifications

Silica Nanospheres – Aminated - 20 nm

Silica Nanospheres – Aminated - 20 nm by Molecular Depot is a suspension of 20 nm aminated silica nanospheres at 5 mg/mL. Surface amines give a positive charge and provide the coupling partner for NHS esters, aldehydes and epoxides. They are used as functionalizable supports in bioconjugation, as cationic model particles and in nanomaterials research. Each unit contains 5 mL. MBP supplies Molecular Depot research reagents to research labs in the United States, Canada and worldwide.