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Different Types of Centrifuges That Are Used in Most Laboratories

There are various types of centrifuges in the market, and each of them has special characteristics and usage. Here in this article, we are scrutinizing various types of centrifuges and their usage, helping you to choose the best centrifuge for your needs.

What Is a Centrifuge?

A centrifuge is a laboratory equipment used to separate fluids or liquids based on their density and size. The separation occurs based on sedimentation, where denser substances move toward the bottom of a rotating container while less dense substances move toward the top. 
Centrifuges are widely used in various scientific and medical fields for a range of applications. They are commonly used in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, and clinical laboratories for tasks such as separating cellular components, clarifying liquids, isolating DNA or proteins, and determining the sedimentation rate of particles.

Different types of centrifuges are specified below: 

1-Microcentrifuge:

This type of centrifuge is a special piece of tool that is necessary for any laboratory, it is used for rotating a variety of samples at a high speed to let separation of the components based on the size and density. This kind of centrifuge is used in molecular biology and biochemistry laboratories. Microcentrifuge can work with samples that are liquid or solid, even with liquids of different densities. 

The high-speed microcentrifuge is widely used in various fields such as hematology, biology, agriculture, biotechnology, microbiology, biochemistry, microchemistry, hepatology, immunology, clinical chemistry, endocrinology, pharmacology, and toxicology.

By using microcentrifuge in your laboratory your sample can uniformly rotate without needing a technician to control it. Microcentrifuges can accommodate tubes with varying capacities, ranging from 0.2 mL to 5 ml.

2-Refrigerated Centrifuge: 

A specialized laboratory instrument plays a vital role in separating and keeping samples at low temperatures, making it necessary for numerous fields of study. Refrigerated centrifuges have a wide range of applications, from cell culture and molecular biology to clinical diagnostics and pharmacology research. They are crucial in achieving precise analysis and reliable consequences. 

This device utilizes centrifugal force to separate particles or macromolecules by spinning loaded samples in a high-speed rotor.

3-Ultracentrifuge:

It is a powerful centrifuge used for separating and purification of biological macromolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, and viruses. It works at very high speeds and can produce forces thousands of times greater than gravity, enabling the separation of particles with very similar densities. 

When you are purchasing ultracentrifuges, be aware of the techniques and applications that you will use now and in the future.

There are two types of ultracentrifuges in the market: 

1-preparative

The Preparative Ultra Centrifuge is equipment that uses centrifugal force to separate components of different masses or densities suspended in a liquid.  Spinning the solution in the tube at high speeds allows the angular momentum of each particle to a centrifugal force proportional to its mass.

A preparative ultracentrifuge can be equipped with various types of rotors, which spin multiple samples at different angles and speeds.

2- Analytical

This centrifuge stands out from others as it includes a scanning visible light-based optical detection system. This system enables real-time control of samples as they spin. With the help of this centrifuge, researchers get the chance to observe the sedimentation process and see the sample as it concentrates with increasing centrifugal force. Analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) is a highly versatile and accurate technology used to determine the molecular weight, hydrodynamic, and thermodynamic properties of macromolecules, particularly proteins. This centrifuge equipment laboratory can work at 500,000g. 

4-High-Speed Refrigerated Centrifuges: 

This particular centrifuge model is variable in a range of sizes, each with different capacities. Thus, this feature allows them to produce significant forces to collect cellular debris, microorganisms, larger cell organelles, and proteins. The speed of these centrifuges can reach more than 10,000 rotations per minute. In high-speed refrigerated centrifuges, angular rotors are typically made of titanium or aluminum alloy. These items consist of a shell, a centrifuge chamber, a rotor, a refrigeration unit, and a control circuit.

5- Low-Speed Centrifuge: 

A low-speed centrifuge operates at relatively lower speeds, normally up to 5,000 RPM. It is generally used for routine applications like the separation of blood samples, urine sedimentation, and general laboratory separations where high speeds are not required. 

6- Hematocrit Centrifuge: 

One of the useful benefits of this type of centrifuge is that this machine allows the erythrocytes to reach their maximum compaction density, in less than seven minutes, thus, knowing their hematocrit level and also having cell-free plasma used later in other analyses. Hence, these centrifugal laboratory tools are commonly used in laboratories, including in public health, research, and clinics, among other settings. The hematocrit centrifuge can spin between 7000 to 15000 rpm. 

7- Benchtop Centrifuge: 

A benchtop centrifuge is a laboratory instrument used to separate and purify molecular mixtures based on their density using centrifugal force. It is designed to be commonly used in various scientific and medical fields, such as biology, biochemistry, chemistry, and clinical diagnostics.

These centrifuges are useful tools for labs that do not have enough room. Easy to work with, these centrifuges bring competence to laboratories.  For instance, most benchtop centrifuges have the Auto-Lock system, allowing for quick rotor exchange with one hand for greater application versatility and throughput.

8- Floor-Standing Centrifuge:

Floor-standing centrifuges are produced for the centrifugation of large capacity, or high speed. They are commonly used in routine clinical recognition, clinical laboratories, blood banks, and pharmaceutical laboratories. 

9- Continuous Flow Centrifuge: 

Continuous Flow Centrifuge tool is a laboratory time-saver, by which a large capacity of material will be centrifuged at high centrifugation forces. This type of centrifuge as it is mentioned a time-saver, it has a large volume to allow the sample not to fill over and over again like other old centrifuges. 

10- Vacuum Centrifuge:

This centrifuge is also known as a vacuum concentrator. It is a laboratory item that combines the principles of centrifugation and evaporation to concentrate or dry samples. It is usually used in scientific research, particularly in fields such as molecular biology, biochemistry, and pharmaceutical research. This centrifuge works by placing the sample in a specialized rotor, which is then rotated at a high speed. the centrifugal force produced by the spinning motion causes the liquid components of the sample to move toward the outer edge of the rotor.

They offer advantages such as reduced processing time, gentle sample handling, and the capability to work with small sample volumes. 

11-Zonal Centrifuge: 

A zonal centrifuge is utilized for isolating particles based on their atomic weight or density and is normally utilized within in division of proteins and nucleic acids. 

12- Isopycnic Centrifuge: 

The Isopycnic Centrifuge is an essential laboratory equipment for researchers because it helps you to use it in the separation of DNA and RNA. 

How to Choose the Best Type of Centrifuge for a Particular Utilization?

Choosing the best centrifuge for a particular application needs careful attention to some factors. 

Below are some key elements that can help you to choose the best selection: 

Speed and Volume

The maximum speed and volume of different types of centrifuges play a crucial role in their operation, thus it is important to consider it when it comes to choosing the best one. They control how many substances can be processed and how fast. Try to make sure a centrifuge can provide the capacity and type of samples you are working with.

Type of Rotor

Centrifuge rotors have various designs and dimensions, each with its merits and limitations. Try to choose the type of rotor that is best for your usage, according to the features such as the dimension and type of materials you are isolating, the capacity of the sample, and the speed needed. 

Temperature regulation

Based on your usage, you may require a centrifuge that can keep a particular temperature throughout the isolation process. Select whether a refrigerated or heated centrifuge is essential for your usage. 

Sample Amenability

some types of centrifuges are sensitive to a specific of centrifugation, for example, high or low speed, and long disposal to heat. Thus, try to make sure to select a type of centrifuge that is suited to your needs. 

Easy to Use

When it comes to purchasing a laboratory device, it is necessary to consider its user-friendly features, such as programmable settings, digital displays, and safety and security aspects. 

Maintenance and Price

For selecting the best type of centrifuge, it is necessary to consider your budget, as well as the price of maintenance and changing its fragments. Select a centrifuge that meets your needs based on your budget and it is convenient to keep and repair.

Summary

centrifugation is an analytic technique in many laboratory industries, that provides an opportunity for technicians and researchers to separate and purify a wide range of materials, no matter if you are doing medical research, generating pharmaceutic materials, expanding cosmetic items, or working in other industry that needs the isolation and purification of components, choosing the best centrifuge plays a key role to attaining precise and authentic results. 

Thus, by knowing the sufficiency of each type of centrifuge and its particular usage, you can make a better decision and select the centrifuge that meets your needs.

 

 

FAQ
1. What is the purpose of a laboratory centrifuge?
A laboratory centrifuge is used to separate components of a mixture based on their density by spinning them at high speeds. This separation process, called centrifugation, is essential for isolating specific components, such as cells, proteins, nucleic acids, and other biomolecules, from a liquid medium.
2. How do you determine the right type of centrifuge for your laboratory needs?
• Sample Volume: Determine the maximum volume you need to process at once. • Speed and Force: Evaluate the required centrifugal force (measured in RPM or RCF) for your applications. • Temperature Control: Decide if you need a refrigerated centrifuge to maintain sample integrity. • Rotor Compatibility: Ensure the centrifuge can accommodate the types of rotors you need for different tube sizes and capacities. • Specific Applications: Consider if specialized centrifuges, such as microcentrifuges or ultracentrifuges, are needed for your experiments.
3. What safety precautions should be taken when using a centrifuge?
• Balance the Load: Always balance the centrifuge by placing tubes of equal weight opposite each other. • Check for Damage: Inspect tubes and the rotor for cracks or damage before use. • Secure the Lid: Make sure the centrifuge lid is securely closed before starting the spin. • Avoid Overloading: Do not exceed the recommended maximum load for the rotor. • Use Proper Containers: Only use centrifuge tubes designed for the specific centrifugal force and chemical compatibility.
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