| abstract |
A method and apparatus for producing small and inexpensive agarose beads is provided. Agarose 2 is dissolved / gelled in a suitable liquid; mixed with a hydrophobic liquid to form emulsion 10 and the emulsion is maintained at a temperature above the gel point of agarose; The above-described problems are solved by a method that includes producing agarose droplets 14; solidifying in a second bath 16 of a hydrophobic liquid. The beads are then washed, crosslinked, and treated with various functionalizations. Another solidification method is continuous cooling. In order to form an agarose coating on the core, a similar method as described above can be used for beads with a core. To add multiple layers of agarose over existing beads, a similar process can be used with homogeneous agarose beads or agarose beads with a core, including equipment for performing the process. [Selection] Figure 1A |