Various Laboratory Centrifuges and the Procedures That They Are Used ForA piece of machinery known as a centrifuge is a device that revolves (or "spins in a circle") an object around a central axis at a constant speed. To achieve this result, a force that is applied in a direction that is perpendicular to the axis of the spin must be utilized. This force has the potential to be very powerful. Even though there are many variations of centrifuges, they all operate according to the same principle of sedimentation. How Do the Various Types of Centrifuges Perform Their Functions? In scientific research facilities, centrifuges are frequently utilized for the purpose of separating two substances that share a similar density, as well as in situations in which a dissolved solution contains particulates that are insoluble. The sedimentation principle underlies the operation of all different kinds of centrifuges, which states that the acceleration of the rotor results in the application of a centripetal force to both the rotor and the centrifuge tubes. Because of this action, the denser substances that are contained within the tubes are compelled to move outward in a circular direction, while the lighter particles move inward toward the center of the structure.
There are times when a few particles congregate at the base of the tubes that make up the centrifuge. These little pieces are known as pellets, and the liquid that remains after the pellets have been removed is called the supernatant. A centrifuge will typically have its rotational speed and the number of revolutions per minute (rpm) that laboratory centrifuge (click then buy it) spins at predetermined settings. However, despite having different diameters, two different rotors can still have the same rotational speed. Because of the different radii and angular momentums, the acceleration of rotors of this type will also be different. There is also an effect caused by the rotor's overall size. Because of this, the relative centrifugal force, also known as RCF, is the standard unit that is used. These are the various kinds of centrifuges that are typically utilized in research facilities.1. MicrocentrifugeThe implication of the name is that these are designed to be as small as possible, and as a result, they have a more condensed footprint that requires very little room on the workbench. These are suitable for use with small tubes (up to 2.0 ml), and they are frequently utilized in biological settings. Some of these come with a different rotor or rotor adaptors that can fit tubes of varying sizes.
Others do not
These are utilized for the holding and pelleting of nucleic acids, as well as the microfiltration of minor aqueous samples
In addition, pelleting proteins from solutions and holding nucleic acids are additional applications
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Refrigerated CentrifugesThese are used for storing samples at a constant temperature in order to maintain their integrity
It is essential that these centrifuges operate at their maximum speeds while keeping the temperature constant
Because their temperature range is between -20 and -40 degrees Celsius, refrigerated centrifuges are ideal for conducting analyses of DNA, RNA, PCR, and antibodies
Refrigerated centrifuges have compartments that can be sealed according to the requirements of the material being processed
They are available in a variety of configurations, including the swing bucket, the fixed angle, and both of these
There are a variety of applications for refrigerated centrifuges of varying capacities, including small and large
Typically, they are employed for the purpose of collecting materials that sediment rapidly, such as yeast cells, chloroplast, and a variety of other substances
High-Speed Refrigerated Centrifuges These particular types of centrifuges are able to generate a significant amount of force, which allows them to collect cellular debris, microorganisms, larger cell organelles, and proteins
There is a diverse range of sizes and storage capacities available for high-speed refrigerated centrifuges.4. Ultracentrifuges These types of centrifuges are capable of producing accelerations of up to one million g, which is a very high value. Users are able to take advantage of the minute differences that exist between molecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids, in order to separate them with the help of ultracentrifuges. There are two categories of ultracentrifuges, which are as follows:a. Preparative UltracentrifugesThe most common applications for these are the classification of particles according to their densities, the isolation of denser particles for the purpose of pellet collection, and the clarification of suspensions that include particles. They perform the deprotonization of physiological fluids for the purpose of studying amino acids and assist in the isolation of macromolecules and elements of lipoproteins from plasma. An ultracentrifuge that is used for preparative purposes can be outfitted with a variety of rotors, each of which can spin a number of samples at a unique angle and speed. b. Ultracentrifuges for Analytical PurposesThese come equipped with a light-based optical detection system, which allows for the monitoring of samples in real time as they spin.
Users are able to observe the sedimentation process in real time. They are able to observe the sample as it becomes increasingly concentrated as a result of the increasing centrifugal force. The light absorption system, the alternative Schlieren system, and the Rayleigh interferometric system are examples of some of the optical systems that are utilized during the analysis process. The final wordThis post discusses laboratory-oriented centrifuges, even though there are other types of centrifuges that are designed for use in large-scale industrial applications, as well as space applications and applications involving humans. You should now have a better understanding of the various types of centrifuges used in laboratories by laboratory technicians and scientists, as well as the purposes for which each type is designed, thanks to the information that was provided above.
