In the intricate world of molecular biology, where the tiniest details can lead to groundbreaking discoveries, having the right tools at your fingertips is crucial. Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or a budding scientist, the success of your experiments often hinges on the precision and quality of the equipment you use.
This blog is your go-to-resource for creating a lab which is modern and well-equipped to suit your day to day applications. Let’s explore the absolute must-haves.
1. Precision Pipettes: Because Accuracy is everything
A basic but one of the most important instruments for your lab. These handheld devices come in various sizes and are capable of dispensing minimal volumes of samples with astonishing accuracy. At the same time, you should go for ergonomic pipettes that provide ease of use and minimize repeated stress injury (RSI)
2. Filter Tips and Low Retention Tips: No Room for Contaminants
Filter tips are specially designed with PE filters to eliminate chances of aerosol contamination in your samples. Ideally, they should be free from any chemical additives and it should have a high transparency index and clear graduations.
In molecular biology labs, we often work with very low quantities of samples and in that case, every microliter makes a difference. Low retention tips are specially designed pipette tips that reduce the adhesion of various materials like DNA, enzymes, proteins, and cells to the tip surface so that you don’t lose any bit of your sample in pipetting.
3. PCR Consumables : Precision for every reaction
To harness the full potential of a Polymerase chain reaction, you need PCR tubes that have uniform wall thickness to enable consistent heat transfer across the tube.
Ultra thin PCR tubes are ideal because it improves thermal exchange with the block.
Along with this, your lab essentials should also include PCR plates, PCR tube strips and PCR seals.
4. Deepwell Plates: Ease with high throughput study
These plates are designed to accommodate larger volumes of liquid and are a staple for high-throughput experiments such as DNA extraction, plasmid purification, and cell culture. Deepwell plates with alphanumeric indexing and easy stacking options will optimize your workflow.
Look for the basic parameters like the plates should be fully autoclavable, DNase, RNase free and chemically resistant to ensure safe long-term storage of samples.
5. Spin Columns & Filter plates : Filtration Made Simple
Purifying DNA, RNA, or proteins from complex mixtures will be made easy with spin columns. A must-have for easy isolation and purification of biomolecules. You can choose between various filter options like cellulose acetate, PVDF, glass fiber and PE based on your application. Explore Filter plates are designed for high throughput applications.
6. Centrifuges : Spinning Science Forward
There are various applications of a centrifuge in all kinds of laboratories. Be it Isolating a DNA, plasma separation or processing of different types of samples. Based on your requirement, you can choose between a wide range of benchtop centrifuges.
Some of Neuation’s top of the line lab centrifuges include iFugeFX2P , iFugeL400P
Particularly useful for molecular biology applications, where maintaining a temperature for sample processing is crucial, refrigerated centrifuges will help you secure the integrity of your biological material and temperature-sensitive assays.
7. Dry Bath: Controlled Heating for precise reactions
Temperature-sensitive reactions like PCR require a steady and controlled heat source. With interchangeable blocks to accommodate different tube sizes, a dry bath ensures your reactions proceed at the optimal temperature, paving the way for consistent and reproducible results.
Additionally, having an external temperature probe will help you escape guesswork. The dry bath should have a temperature range that fits your applications and heating should be uniform across the block.
8. Vortex Mixer: Unleash your mixology
Thorough mixing of reagents is essential for uniform results. A vortex mixer comes to the rescue by providing rapid and uniform mixing. From re-suspending pellets to preparing homogeneous solutions, this simple yet indispensable tool ensures your samples are well-mixed and ready for the next step.
A brushless DC motor will provide a longer, maintenance-free life to your machine. A good vortex mixer can also be used in hood and cold rooms to optimize your workflow further.
9. Homogenizer: Mortar and Pestle has been overthrown
A homogenizer uses mechanical force to disrupt samples, ensuring that all components are fully accessible for subsequent analysis. Quicken the pace of extracting samples from bacterial/yeast cells, plant tissue and animal tissue.
Choosing a homogenizer over mortar and pestle will give you the advantage of speed, high sample output and better shearing force.
Quality and Performance: An absolute essential for any lab
Not every centrifuge, homogenizer or dry bath is the same. It varies greatly depending on the manufacturing, technology used and overall quality. Neuation has dedicated itself to creating high-performance benchtop equipment that will become your ideal lab partner.
We are on a mission to provide researchers, the power of modern, cutting-edge technology to support their scientific quests.
With a strong focus on user-centric designs and accuracy of results, our range of benchtop equipment offer the perfect blend of efficiency and durability with the best in class UI.
Original Source: https://neuation.com/molecular-biology-lab-essentials/
