Sample Preparation

A: FastPrep^® instruments are high-speed sample preparation devices used to mechanically disrupt biological samples for efficient cell lysis and extraction of nucleic acids, proteins, and other cellular components. They can additionally be used for applications such as grinding soil, sediment, or other environmental samples, as well as for homogenizing food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical products. FastPrep^® instruments are available in different sizes and models and serve as powerful tools for sample processing in various fields of research.

A: FastPrep instruments utilize bead beating technology to physically break cells using small glass, ceramic, or metal beads and high-speed shaking. The unique motion of the instrument in conjunction with lysing matrix beads allows for the simultaneous lysis and homogenization of biological samples. Our lysing matrix beads come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and compositions to optimize by sample type and ensure complete and reproducible sample preparation.

A: The MP Biomedicals FastPrep-24 Classic and FastPrep-24 5G are both high-speed benchtop homogenizers used for a wide range of sample preparation applications. However, there are some differences between the two models, including:

Motor: The FastPrep-24 5G features a more powerful motor, allowing it to achieve higher speeds for shorter run times and more efficient homogenization of tough or difficult samples. The FastPrep-24 Classic has a maximum speed of 6.51 m/s; the FastPrep-24 5G improves run speed by over 50% with a maximum speed of 10 m/s.

Touchscreen interface: The FastPrep-24 5G has a user-friendly touchscreen interface with 72 pre-defined protocols, allowing for easy programming and control of the homogenization conditions. The FastPrep-24 Classic has a more basic interface with manual controls.

Noise level: The FastPrep-24 5G is designed with a noise-reducing motor housing and operates at a lower decibel level compared to the FastPrep-24 Classic.

Footprint: The FastPrep-24 5G has a slightly larger footprint compared to the FastPrep-24 Classic, although both models are compact.

Compatibility with Lysing Matrix tubes: Both models are compatible with the full range of accessories and lysing matrix tubes, allowing for efficient homogenization of a wide range of sample types.

A: Compared to other bead-beating methods, FastPrep instruments have some advantages that can help mitigate the issues of contamination, scalability and heat:

Contamination: FastPrep machines are designed to operate in a closed system, which minimizes the risk of contamination from the environment. The samples are processed in sealed tubes, and disposable tips can be used to prevent cross-contamination between samples.

Scalability: FastPrep machines can accommodate a range of sample volumes, from small samples in microtubes to volumes up to 50 mL. Multiple samples can be processed simultaneously, allowing for high throughput processing. We also offer an instrument that can accommodate large sample volumes (up to 250 mL) and 96-well plates.

Heat generation: FastPrep instruments utilize short bursts of high-speed agitation, which reduces the amount of heat generated during the process. Cooling blocks can also be used between cycles to further reduce the sample temperature. Additionally, MP Bio offers special adapters encompassing a cooling chamber that can protect thermosensitive molecules from heat degradation during processing.

However, it's important to note that while FastPrep systems can help minimize these issues, optimization of bead type and conditions is still critical for achieving maximum yields, purity, and integrity of samples.

A: The FastPrep24-Classic and FastPrep24-5G are both powerful homogenizers that are compatible with a wide range of accessories and consumables. Some of the top accessories include:

Lysing matrix tubes: These tubes contain different types of beads or matrices that are crucial for efficient and effective homogenization. The size of the beads or matrices in Lysing Matrix tubes for FastPrep devices ranges from 0.1 mm to 7 mm, depending on the type of matrix. For example, Lysing Matrix A contains 1.4 mm ceramic beads, while Lysing Matrix H contains 0.1 mm silica spheres. The different sizes and compositions of the beads or matrices are designed to optimize the homogenization efficiency and effectiveness for different types of samples and applications.

Adapters: Adapters are interchangeable sample holders to accommodate different sizes of tubes, plates or vials. They are important for optimizing sample volume and processing conditions for a specific application. Adapters are available for 2 mL, 4.5 mL, 15 mL, and 50 mL tubes. Adapters also can be equipped with cryogenic cooling trays for temperature sensitive samples or constructed of metal for added durability and resistance to heat, chemicals and other harsh conditions, making them suitable for more stringent cleaning methods (autoclave, chemical sterilization, etc.).

DNA and RNA isolation kits: These kits are specialized for extracting and purifying high-quality nucleic acids from a variety of sample types, making them an important accessory for researchers in the fields of genomics and transcriptomics.

A: In addition to the ability to process multiple sample types at once, very thorough homogenization and high reproducibility, and integrity of sample nucleic acids and proteins, there are several additional advantages of FastPrep homogenizers compared to similar instruments from other companies. Some of these advantages include:

Speed and efficiency: FastPrep homogenizers are designed to quickly and efficiently homogenize a wide range of sample types, including tough or difficult samples. With speeds of up to 10 m/s and multiple adapters and lysing matrices to choose from, FastPrep homogenizers can save researchers valuable time and effort.

Versatility: FastPrep homogenizers are highly versatile and can be used for a wide range of applications, including DNA, RNA, and protein extraction, as well as microbiological and environmental sample preparation. With a range of adapters and lysing matrices available, researchers can customize their homogenization conditions and workflow to suit their specific needs.

Quality and reliability: MP Biomedicals is a well-established and reputable manufacturer of scientific instruments and reagents, and the FastPrep homogenizers are known for their quality and reliability. FastPrep homogenizers are constructed with durable materials and are designed to withstand the rigors of daily use in laboratory settings.

Compatibility: FastPrep homogenizers are compatible with a wide range of sample tubes and plates, allowing researchers to use their existing laboratory equipment with the homogenizer. This compatibility can save researchers money and resources compared to purchasing specialized equipment for each sample type.

Customer support: MP Biomedicals provides excellent customer support for their FastPrep homogenizers, including technical support, maintenance services, and training resources. This support can help researchers optimize their homogenization protocols and troubleshoot any issues that may arise.

Overall, the FastPrep homogenizers from MP Biomedicals offer several advantages over similar instruments from other companies, including speed and efficiency, versatility, quality and reliability, compatibility, and customer support.

A: The FastPrep machines are designed to disrupt a wide range of biological samples, including diverse types of animal tissues (hard, soft, fibrous), plant tissues (leaves, flowers, stems, seeds, wood, etc.), insects, bacteria, yeast, fungi, spores, soil, feces, wastewater, and other environmental samples. They can also be used for extracting nucleic acids, metabolites, or small molecules from industrial samples (building materials and plastics), food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products. FastPrep systems can accommodate both ambient and frozen samples.