I want to use fluorescent microspheres for blood tracing studies. What functional group should be on the surface of the beads?
We offer FluoSpheres fluorescent microspheres that are available in 10 and 15 µm diameters, with various wavelengths, for tracer studies. If those sizes or available colors are not optimal for your system, then we recommend the carboxylate-modified microspheres, which are available in a wide range of sizes and colors.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Analysis Support Center.
What is the warranty for FluoSpheres microspheres?
The warranty period for FluoSpheres microspheres is 1-year from the date of shipment.
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After washing and centrifugation, there was only a very small pellet left of my microsphere beads and the solution was transparent. Why is this?
Centrifugation is not an effective way to collect smaller microspheres; many particles remain in the solution even if you can visualize a small pellet. For beads less than 1 µm in diameter, we recommend washing by either:
Cross-flow filtration, as these particles have a very high compression modulus and can withstand high g-forces without risk of harm or dialysis with a 500 kDa MWCO
Note: Microspheres greater than 1 µm in diameter can be centrifuged at 1,300 rpm.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Analysis Support Center.
I've had my microspheres for over a year, and I'm wondering if they're still good to use. What are some good ways to check their functionality?
Bacterial contamination is the most common cause of microspheres becoming unusable. Many of our particles are supplied with a low level of sodium azide to prevent bacterial contamination, but sometimes this can still occur. Bacterial contamination is best assessed by plating on appropriate growth medium and checking the plates after 72 hr.
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I accidentally froze my microspheres; can I still use them?
Even brief freezing can cause irreversible aggregation and potential distortion of the bead shape. You should not use these microspheres.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Microspheres Support Center.