Bead Genie Laboratory Homogenizers

Bead Genie Laboratory Bead Mill Homogenizer

Compact High-Performance Bead Beating for Cell Lysis, Homogenization and Sample Preparation

The OHAUS Bead Genie is a compact yet powerful laboratory bead mill homogenizer designed for rapid mechanical disruption of biological samples. Using an aggressive 19 mm reciprocating vertical motion, the instrument efficiently lyses cells, homogenizes tissues and resuspends pellets while processing multiple samples simultaneously. Digital controls allow laboratories to precisely adjust speed, timing and pulsed mixing parameters for highly reproducible results. }

Unlike conventional vortex mixers, the Bead Genie is engineered specifically for bead beating applications. It accepts multiple tube formats without requiring additional tools to change holders, making it well suited for laboratories that routinely process microorganisms, plant tissue, animal tissue and environmental samples. Its compact footprint also allows convenient operation inside biosafety cabinets and cold rooms where valuable bench space is limited.

Researchers in molecular biology, microbiology, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, food safety, agriculture, veterinary science and environmental laboratories rely on bead mill homogenization because it offers rapid, reproducible mechanical disruption without introducing enzymes or harsh chemical lysis reagents. The Bead Genie provides an economical alternative to larger homogenizers while maintaining the rugged construction expected for daily laboratory use.

Designed for Reliable Mechanical Cell Disruption

Aggressive Vertical Bead Beating

The Bead Genie utilizes a 19 mm reciprocating vertical motion that repeatedly accelerates disruption beads through the sample. This creates high-energy impacts that efficiently break cell walls and membranes while rapidly homogenizing difficult biological materials.

Digital Control for Repeatable Results

Digital speed adjustment, programmable timers and pulsed RUN/STOP operation allow laboratories to develop standardized protocols that can be repeated from batch to batch. These features are particularly valuable when extraction efficiency must remain consistent between operators.

Multiple Tube Sizes Without Tools

The instrument includes interchangeable holders for common laboratory tubes. Switching between holders requires no tools, allowing rapid transitions between microtubes and larger sample containers while minimizing downtime.

Compact Heavy-Duty Construction

Although compact enough for crowded laboratory benches, biosafety cabinets and cold rooms, the Bead Genie features a heavy metal construction weighing approximately 6 kg. This helps minimize movement during aggressive homogenization while providing long-term durability.

Typical Laboratory Applications

• DNA extraction
• RNA extraction
• Protein extraction
• Cell lysis
• Bead beating
• Tissue homogenization
• Bacterial disruption
• Yeast disruption
• Fungal sample preparation
• Plant tissue homogenization
• Animal tissue homogenization
• Environmental sample preparation
• Microbial DNA isolation
• Food microbiology testing
• Pellet resuspension
• General laboratory homogenization

Compatible Sample Types

The Bead Genie is compatible with glass, stainless steel and zirconium bead media depending on the application. Glass beads are commonly selected for bacteria and yeast, while stainless steel and zirconium beads are often preferred for tougher tissues and resilient biological materials. Selection of bead size and material should always be optimized for the specific protocol.

Included Accessories

• Holder for twelve 1.5/2.0 mL tubes (vertical)
• Holder for twelve 1.5/2.0 mL tubes (horizontal)
• Holder for six 5/15 mL tubes
• Holder for three 20/50 mL tubes

Bead media are supplied separately to allow laboratories to select the optimum bead material and diameter for each application.

Available Bead Media

• 0.1 mm soda lime glass beads
• 0.5 mm soda lime glass beads
• 2.4 mm stainless steel beads
• 3.2 mm stainless steel beads
• 5 mm stainless steel beads
• 100 μm zirconium lysis tubes
• 400 μm zirconium lysis tubes
• Mixed bead sample pack

Q&A

What is the Bead Genie used for?

The Bead Genie is designed for bead beating, cell lysis, homogenization and biological sample preparation. It is commonly used before DNA, RNA and protein extraction.

What types of samples can the Bead Genie process?

The instrument is suitable for bacteria, yeast, fungi, plant tissue, animal tissue, environmental samples and many other biological materials requiring mechanical disruption.

Can the Bead Genie process different tube sizes?

Yes. It includes holders for multiple tube formats ranging from standard microcentrifuge tubes to 50 mL tubes. Holders can be exchanged without tools.

What is the advantage of pulsed bead beating?

Pulsed operation alternates mixing and rest periods, which can improve homogenization while helping reduce sample heating during longer protocols.

Can the Bead Genie operate inside a biosafety cabinet?

Yes. Its compact footprint allows installation on laboratory benches, inside many biosafety cabinets and in cold rooms where space is limited.

What bead material should be selected?

Glass beads are commonly used for microorganisms, while stainless steel or zirconium beads may provide improved disruption of tougher tissues. The optimal choice depends on the sample and extraction protocol.

Does the Bead Genie include beads?

No. Bead media are purchased separately so laboratories can select the most appropriate bead material and size for their application.

Can the Bead Genie be used for DNA and RNA extraction?

Yes. The instrument is widely used as the mechanical homogenization step prior to nucleic acid extraction from microorganisms, plant tissues and animal samples.

How many samples can the Bead Genie process simultaneously?

Depending on the installed holder, the instrument processes up to twelve microtubes, six 15 mL tubes or three 50 mL tubes in a single run.

How should the Bead Genie be cleaned?

Disconnect the instrument before cleaning. Wipe exterior surfaces and removable holders using a suitable laboratory disinfectant or mild detergent. Avoid allowing liquids to enter the motor housing or electronic controls.