The BioSpec Mini-BeadBeater-24 ULTRA is a high-performance laboratory bead mill homogenizer and cell disruptor designed for rapid, efficient, and reproducible biological sample processing.

The system disrupts samples by violently agitating 4 to 24 screw-cap microvials containing ceramic or steel bead media together with extraction buffer. Even highly resistant samples such as bacterial spores, yeast, fungi, and fibrous tissues are typically homogenized in less than one minute.

In addition to wet homogenization workflows, the Mini-BeadBeater-24 ULTRA is also capable of dry grinding and cryogenic grinding of frozen or brittle materials, making it suitable for a broad range of molecular biology, microbiology, environmental, agricultural, and biochemical research applications.

Built-In Runtime Cycling for Improved Sample Integrity

The Mini-BeadBeater-24 ULTRA features automated runtime cycling functionality that alternates between user-defined “on” and “off” intervals during bead beating. This feature helps minimize thermal buildup during high-speed homogenization and supports preservation of temperature-sensitive biomolecules including RNA, DNA, proteins, and metabolites.

Runtime cycling improves compatibility with extraction workflows from major kit manufacturers including Zymo Research, Qiagen, and Thermo Fisher Scientific, whose protocols often recommend intermittent processing to maintain nucleic acid integrity in high-throughput sample preparation environments.

Key Benefits:

• Compatible with extraction protocols requiring runtime cycling
• Helps protect RNA, DNA, proteins, and metabolites from heat-related degradation
• Improves reproducibility across large sample batches
• Reduces need for external cooling equipment or manual intervention
• Ideal for microbiome, clinical, environmental, and metagenomic applications
• Supports workflows utilizing molecular transport media (MTM)

Typical Applications

• DNA extraction, RNA isolation, and protein recovery
• Microbial cell lysis including bacteria, yeast, and fungi
• Plant tissue homogenization
• Animal tissue disruption
• Environmental and soil sample processing
• Dry grinding and cryogenic grinding of frozen or brittle materials

Operation Highlights

• Supports symmetrical loading of 4 to 24 microvials
• Retaining cap secured using included torque key
• Programmable runtime control for reproducible processing
• Rapid and efficient sample disruption with minimal operator intervention

Enhanced ULTRA Platform Benefits

• Reduced operating noise for improved laboratory comfort
• Enhanced operator safety features
• Simplified vial mounting and sample handling
• Compact benchtop footprint
• Modernized laboratory instrument design

Multiple Color Options Available

The Mini-BeadBeater-24 ULTRA is available in Red, Blue, and Black finishes, allowing laboratories to visually differentiate instruments by workstation, workflow, department, or application type.