Novel plating beads improve microbialcolony formation efficiency
A new sterile bead-based plating method offers enhanced efficiency and safety for microbiological work, potentially improving laboratory throughput and reproducibility.
The system eliminates traditional glass spreading tools while providing more uniform colony distribution, addressing key challenges in routine microbiological procedures. Recent developments in laboratory consumables have yielded an alternative to traditional bacterial and yeast plating methods. The EZ-Spread Plating Beads system, developed by AMSBIO, presents a refined approach to microbial spreading on agar plates, offering potential advantages in both safety and efficiency compared to conventional glass rod techniques.
Enhanced laboratory safety protocols
The system eliminates the requirement for ethanol and flame sterilisation traditionally associated with glass spreading tools, significantly reducing associated workplace hazards. This development aligns with contemporary laboratory safety protocols while maintaining sterile conditions necessary for microbiological work.
Manufacturing precision yields improved results
The manufacturing process employs precision moulding techniques to produce beads of uniform dimensions, resulting in more consistent cell distribution across agar surfaces. This standardisation appears to con-tribute to enhanced colony formation rates compared to traditional spreading methods, though specific comparative data have not been provided. The beads are available in two formats: bulk dispensing bottles suitable for processing 100 plates, and single-use tubes designed for 50 plates. Both formats are supplied pre-sterilised, enabling immediate deployment in laboratory settings. This ready-to-use approach facilitates simultaneous processing of multiple plates, potentially increasing laboratory throughput.
Technological specifications and availability
The system has been designed for compatibility with standard agar plates used in microbiological research and diagnostic laboratories. The pre-sterilised nature of the products eliminates the need for additional preparation steps, potentially reducing procedural complexity and processing time.
Commercial and technical support
AMSBIO, now integrated into the Europa Biosite group, maintains its position in life science technology provision across medical, nutrition, cosmetics, and energy sector research. The company’s expanded portfolio includes significant expertise in extracellular matrices and three-dimensional cell culture systems, including organ-on-chip technologies. Their biological materials repository continues to provide tissue specimens for research applications, alongside GMP-compliant cryopreservation technologies and viral delivery solutions.
For further technical specifications and information, visit: www.amsbio.com/labware-and-equipment/ez-spread-plating-beads/
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