Patent ID: 6258930
Filing Date: 2001-07-10
Classification: B02C,C12M,C12Q,G01N

Abstract:
A process for breaking down multiple biological samples simultaneously in a vibrating ball mill for isolating proteins and/or nucleic acids comprising the steps of:disposing each of the biological samples in a well of a multi-well block (16) having more than 10 wells, wherein each well containing a biological sample is provided with a grinding means and a lid to close off the well and wherein the well block is clamped in a U-shaped holder of the ball mill, which holder has two opposing retaining arms, wherein one of the retaining arms is movably mounted for clamping the well block into the holder by means of an adjustment and clamping screw, and which holder prevents rotation of the well block by means of cams, which protrude above the planes of the base and the lid on the well block and which interlockingly engage in recesses in each of the retaining arms of the holder, wherein the depth of the recesses corresponds to the height of the cams;subjecting the biological samples and grinding means in the well block to input energy sufficient to break down the biological samples; andisolating proteins and/or nucleic acids from the broken down samples.