Effect of the uniformity of biological magnetic beads on nucleic acid extraction

With the development of biotechnology, nucleic acid extraction has become one of the basic steps in molecular biology research. Among the many nucleic acid extraction methods, the magnetic bead method is widely favored due to its simplicity, speed, high degree of automation and stable extraction quality. The core of the magnetic bead method is to adsorb nucleic acids by using surface-modified magnetic particles (i.e., biological magnetic beads) and then quickly separate and purify them through an external magnetic field.

I. Basic characteristics of biomagnetic beads

Biomagnetic beads are a special nanomaterial, usually composed of Fe₃O₄ as the magnetic core, with a polymer or other material coated on the outer layer to form a protective layer, and specific functional groups such as hydroxyl (-OH) and carboxyl (-COOH) are covered on the surface to bind to nucleic acid molecules specifically. The particle size range of biomagnetic beads is from tens of nanometers to several microns, and the particle size and distribution uniformity are crucial to the performance of magnetic beads.

II. Importance of particle size uniformity

1. Improve magnetic responsiveness

The magnetic responsiveness of biological magnetic beads directly affects the speed and efficiency of nucleic acid extraction. The smaller the particle size of the magnetic beads, the larger the specific surface area, which is conducive to improving the adsorption capacity of the magnetic beads. However, too small magnetic beads may weaken the magnetic response. Magnetic beads with good particle size uniformity can provide sufficient adsorption surface area while maintaining high magnetic responsiveness.

2. Enhance adsorption consistency

Magnetic beads with uniform particle size can adsorb nucleic acids more consistently, which means they can adsorb similar amounts of nucleic acids under the same conditions, thereby improving the reproducibility and reliability of the extraction process.

3. Improve recovery rate

The uniformity of magnetic bead particle size helps improve the recovery rate of nucleic acids. Non-uniform magnetic beads may cause some magnetic beads to fail to adsorb nucleic acids effectively or fail to be recovered completely under the action of the magnetic field, thereby reducing the quality of the final extraction product.

4. Reduce non-specific binding

Magnetic beads with uniform particle size help to reduce the non-specific binding because they are more likely to exhibit consistent surface chemistry, which helps optimize the interaction between magnetic beads and target nucleic acids and reduce interference.

The uniformity of biomagnetic bead particle size has a significant impact on the efficiency of nucleic acid extraction. Magnetic beads with uniform particle size not only improve the magnetic responsiveness, but also enhance the consistency of adsorption, improve recovery rate and reduce non-specific binding, thereby ensuring high quality and high efficiency of nucleic acid extraction. Future research will further explore how to obtain better particle size uniformity by optimizing the preparation process of magnetic beads, thereby promoting the continuous development and improvement of magnetic bead nucleic acid extraction technology.

Supplier Introduction

Shanghai Lingjun Biotechnology Co., Ltd. was established in 2016 which is a professional manufacturer of biomagnetic materials and nucleic acid extraction reagents.

We have rich experience in nucleic acid isolation and purification, protein purification, cell separation, chemiluminescence and other technical fields.

Our products are widely used in many fields, such as medical testing, genetic testing, university research, genetic breeding, etc. We not only provide products but also can undertake OEM, ODM, and other needs. If you have related needs, please feel free to contact us at sales01@lingjunbio.com.