Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the automated production of active substance beads having a gel-like carrier material, preferably a biopolymer, such as agarose, and having embedded in the carrier material a biologically active material, such as an active substance and/or a material which generates an active substance, comprising the following steps: a) provision of a flowable, solidifiable mixture comprising the carrier material and the biologically active material, b) solidification of a core bead by introducing a predetermined amount of the flowable mixture into a fluid bath, preferably a liquid bath, particularly preferably an oil bath, c) removal of the core bead from the fluid bath, wherein for carrying out step c), a bead contact surface of a bead receiving tool is used, and for this purpose step c) comprises either the following sub-step ca1) or the following sub-step cb1): ca1) creation of a locating engagement between the core bead and a preferably concave bead reduced-pressure contact

Abstract: The present invention relates to a temperature adjustment device (10) for adjusting the temperature of at least one sample container (12), which temperature adjustment device (10) comprises, for optional heat-transferring coupling of the sample container (12) therewith and for isolation of the sample container (12) therefrom, at least one sample container holder (16) extending along a holder axis (A), the temperature adjustment device (10) comprising a first temperature adjustment zone (26) and a second temperature adjustment zone (31) which can be operated separately therefrom, the first and second temperature adjustment zones (26, 31) being arranged in different axial regions of the sample container holder (16) relative to the holder axis (A).