Polymer Microspheres

Latex spheres or mini-beads...whatever you call them, we've got 'em.

Non-functionalized Polymers

We offer uniform polystyrene (PS), crosslinked poly(styrene/divinylbenzene) (P[S/DVB]), and poly(methyl methacrylate)(PMMA) microspheres that may be used as-is for standards or markers, or coated with proteins via adsorption for use in diagnostic tests and assays. See TechNote 204, Adsorption to Microspheres. Our spheres are synthesized via emulsion polymerization, and are available in diameters from ~20nm-90µm, with typical size CVs of 5-10%. For applications that require highly stringent CVs (e.g. 2-5%), call for product availability. Most products are supplied as a 10% solids suspension (100mg/mL) in de-ionized water with surfactant and sodium azide.

PS and P(S/DVB)

Many proteins may be easily and stably absorbed to hydrophobic, non-functionalized microspheres. Divinylbenzene (DVB) confers additional solvent and heat resistance to our crosslinked spheres. PS and P(S/DVB) microspheres are available in four standard amounts: 0.5g, 1.0g, 1.5g, and 5.0g.

PMMA

PMMA microspheres are available for applications that require characteristics different from those of PS. PMMA microspheres are suitable for adsorption, while offering a less hydrophobic surface than PS. PMMA microspheres are supplied in four standard amounts: 0.5g, 1.0g, 1.5g, and 5.0g.

Large Polymer (Polydisperse)

Our large, polydisperse PS- and PMMA-based microspheres are synthesized at scales that allow highly economical pricing. Large polymer microspheres are supplied dry and are available in four standard amounts: 10g, 25g, 50g, and 100g.

Functionalized Polymers

Our functionalized polystyrene (PS) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) microspheres are suitable for the covalent immobilization of proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids. They are synthesized via emulsion polymerization, and are available in diameters up to ~10µm, with typical size CVs of 10%. Most products are supplied as 10% solids suspension (100mg/mL) in de-ionized water with surfactant and sodium azide.

Carboxyl Polymer

EDAC-mediated coupling is often used for the covalent immobilization of amine-terminated proteins, DNA, or other molecules on carboxyl-functionalized PS and P(S/DVB) microspheres. See TechNote 205, Covalent Coupling, for a protocol and tips on coating optimization and QC. Carboxyl polymer microspheres are available in four standard amounts: 0.5g, 1.0g, 1.5g, and 5.0g.

Amine Polymer

Amine-functionalized microspheres offer further options for coupling of biomolecules. Glutaraldehyde is commonly used for the immobilization of amine-containing compounds, and specialized linkers are available for targeted coupling of thiol or carbohydrate moieties to amine-functionalized microspheres. See TechNote 205, Covalent Coupling. Amine polymer microspheres are available in four standard amounts: 0.5g, 1.0g, 1.5g, and 5.0g. For microspheres larger than 1.99µm, please call for availability.

PolyLink Protein Coupling Kit

Our PolyLink Protein Coupling Kit is ideal for investigators who are new to microsphere coating, or simply desire the convenience of a kit. The kit is intended for use with carboxyl-functionalized microspheres of 1µm or larger. It contains sufficient EDAC, coupling buffer, and wash/storage buffer for 50 reactions using ~200-500µg protein and 12.5mg COOH-functionalized microspheres per reaction.