Inorganic supports such as silica microspheres have become increasingly important for a variety of applications, including isolation of nucleic acids, cell separation, and immuno- and DNA-based assays. They offer the combined benefits of a broad platform and the unique properties of a silica substrate, such as flexible silanization chemistries, low autofluorescence, and low nonspecific binding of proteins.

Polysciences offers uniform, non-porous silica (SiO₂) microspheres available in nominal diameters of ~150nm -5µm. These particles typically have size CVs of 10-15%. Supplied in aqueous suspension of 10% solids.