Spherotech, Inc. products

The polystyrene particles are prepared by using emulsion polymerization process. Particles supplied by Spherotech have been precleaned using either mixed bed ion exchange or by centrifugation. Further cleaning by user is usually not required. The size of particles is determined by either NICOMP Laser Particle Sizer or visually by Scanning Electron Microscope.

Spherotech offers a wide range of crosslinked polystyrene particles. Non-uniform, uniform shape, and porous crosslinked polystyrene particles are manufactured at Spherotech. The low cost non-uniform particles are useful when particle shape does not matter. If a perfect spherical monosized polymer particle is needed, use the 0.5% DVB cross-linked polystyrene particles. Spherotech also provides uniform cross-linked polystyrene particles that are stable in the presence of organic solvents. Porous crosslinked beads will provide additional surface area. Futhermore, larger size uniform cross-linked polystyrene particles are also available.

The colored particles are prepared by polymerizing styrene in a solution of oil soluble dye in styrene. As a result the particles are free of solvent commonly found when the particles are prepared by staining with a solution of dye in organic solvent. Spherotech colored particles are intensely colored. The SPHERO™ Colored Particles are manufactured to enhance the visual detection in assays such as latex agglutination, dipstick and membrane based assays.

Fluorescent particles with single or multiple fluorophores are available in various sizes, emission spectra and combinations. Many are suitable for uses in flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, phagocytosis studies and cell labeling. Please contact us for fluorescent particle recommendations.

Fluorescent particles with single or multiple fluorophores are available in various sizes, emission spectra and combinations. Many are suitable for uses in flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, phagocytosis studies and cell labeling. Please contact us for fluorescent particle recommendations.

The SPHERO™ Coated Particles are prepared either by passive adsorption or covalent coupling depending upon the intended applications. The avidin and biotin coated particles are prepared by covalent coupling. The antibody coated polystyrene particles are prepared using passive adsorption, yet they are stable for several years. The coated polystyrene particles from Spherotech can be used in a variety of applications. The Protein A coated polystyrene particles have been used for binding to IgG from human, mouse and rabbit serum. Glutathione coated polystyrene particles have been used for detecting the GST fusion proteins by flow cytometry.

We manufacture a wide variety of uniform amino functionalized particles ranging in size from 0.05 um to 20 um for covalent coupling of proteins or other ligands. Additional information can be found at FUNCTIONALIZED POLYSTYRENE PARTICLES product details.

Particles for Absolute Cell Counting using a Single-Platform Flow Cytometric Method. Reference particles with known number of particles per mL for counting the absolute cell number by flow cytometry

Spherotech offers a wide variety of particles for determining if a flow cytometer is properly aligned and has a clean flow cell with no fluidic blockage. Using SPHERO™ Alignment Particles, the coefficients of variation (CVs), peak channels, and histogram distributions can be measured to determine the alignment and functionality of the flow cytometer.

The SPHERO Calibration Particles are designed for routine calibration of flow cytometers. By using these particles, the sensitivity and linearity of the system can be determined. The sensitivity of the instrument will help detect any dye or light contamination. The linearity of the instrument will determine if the logarithmic amps and PMTs are functioning properly.