Microfuge
Microcentrifuges are one of those essential laboratory equipment that are used in laboratories. They are commonly used in the production, refinement, and isolation of genetic materials, including proteins, RNA, and DNA.
Microcentrifuge is a type of centrifuge that is used in the laboratory to spin liquid components at high speeds. There are different types of microcentrifuges in the market based on their benefits. Every researcher or technician needs to scrutinize the details before purchasing the right microcentrifuge for their needs.
Selecting the right microcentrifuge for your laboratory involves considering several key factors. Here are some significant considerations to help you to choose the appropriate microcentrifuge:
One of the most important features to consider while choosing a microcentrifuge is the capacity and throughput. Do not forget to determine the sample volume and the number of samples you typically work with. Microcentrifuges come in different dimensions and accommodate various tube sizes and capacities. Thus, consider the maximum speed and the number of materials the centrifuge wants to process simultaneously to ensure it meets your laboratory’s throughput needs.
Another significant element that should be considered for selecting a good microcentrifuge among different types of centrifuges is the speed and RCF of a microcentrifuge. The speed at which a microcentrifuge operates is measured in revolutions per minute (RPM), while the RCF indicates the force applied to the materials and is measured in multiples of gravity (g). Consider the speed and RCF range required for your specific applications. Some experiments may require higher speeds and RCF values to achieve proper isolation or pelleting. Thus, you need to select a microcentrifuge that can meet the necessary speed and acceleration based on your specific usage.
Rapid acceleration and deceleration reduce processing time and minimize the risk of material disturbance and contamination. Look for a suitable microcentrifuge with adjustable acceleration and deceleration features among various types of centrifuges in the market to meet your experimental needs.
Laboratory microcentrifuges have different types; in the direction that one is refrigerated and the other one is non-refrigerated. As the name shows the first one will help you save the components in a very cool condition during the process, consequently stopping any damage to be caused to the sample.
Considering temperature control is a critical issue when there are enzyme reactions, protein purification, and nucleic acid extraction. Consequently, you should select an appropriate microcentrifuge with temperature control capabilities such as a rotor with temperature control or refrigeration system. For example: If your applications involve temperature-sensitive samples, consider a microcentrifuge with built-in temperature control features. These may include refrigeration capabilities or the ability to maintain a specific temperature range during centrifugation.
The two primary components of most microcentrifuges are the rotor and the body. As the main component that operates, make sure both microcentrifuge safety and isolation effect.
Generally, a microcentrifuge can be equipped with several rotors for various uses, and various rotor models can satisfy the centrifugal requirements of various tests.
Check the compatibility of the microcentrifuge with different rotor types and sizes. Try to make sure that the types of microcentrifuges you choose can accommodate the rotors required for your specific applications, such as microtubes, PCR strips, or specialized rotor adapters.
Two types of rotors are available, you can learn more about them and then easily decide which one is better for you:
Which one is suitable for your laboratory usage, horizontal or fixed-angle rotor?
The centrifuge rotors are mostly categorized into two different types based on their usage, that is, horizontal rotors and fixed-angle rotors. When choosing between them, three important criteria need to be taken into account: speed, volume range, and the type of centrifugation (variance, speed gradient, isotropy ).
A swing rotor or swing-bucket rotor is another name for it. The centerline of the microcentrifuge tube in the rotor head is parallel to the rotating shaft while the rotor is in idle condition. The sample settles at the bottom of the microcentrifuge tube when the rotor head's spinning is accelerated and it is propelled by centrifugal force from a vertical position to an angle of 90° to the revolving shaft.
These types of rotors are the most public rotors utilized in centrifugation. It keeps the tube typically at a specific angle, ranging from 14°-45°. It is mostly utilized to isolate granular materials that are different significantly in settling speed. The materials move a short distance in the fan-shape dilution and those that hit the exterior wall slip through the tube to make a sediment. Therefore, this rotor can rapidly accumulate sediments.
The rotor can resist a maximum centrifugal force of 800,000 x g and has a small center of gravity. The bore in these rotors ranges in capacity from 0.2 mL to 1 L and in speed from single digits to 1,000,000×g.
when you are purchasing a proper microcentrifuge, do not forget to Look for safety features such as lid-locking mechanisms, imbalance detection, and automatic lid opening after centrifugation. These features help prevent accidents and protect both samples and users.
Consider the noise and vibration levels produced by the microcentrifuge, particularly if it will be used in a shared laboratory space. Quieter and vibration-free models are generally preferable for a more comfortable and productive working environment. Thus, it is essential to buy the right microcentrifuge that works quietly and produces minimal vibrations among those types of centrifuges.
Evaluate the user interface and programming options of the microcentrifuge. A clear and intuitive control panel, programmable settings, and customizable protocols can enhance usability and efficiency.
Consider the ease of maintenance, availability of spare parts, and service support from the manufacturer. A reliable and well-supported microcentrifuge will ensure minimal downtime and long-term usability.
Most microcentrifuge used in the laboratory owns a rotor that is easy to separate, either to clean or change with various volume rotors. Microcentrifuge gets unclean and sometimes smelly. Using microcentrifuge means mixing high-speed and overfilled components in tubes with bacteria, dyes, and radioactive materials that will come out the top lid and spray-cover the exterior walls of the rotor room.
Based on the types of materials that are inside of it (bacterial, radioactive), cleaning must be simple and convenient. A lid covering the samples is a feature of some microcentrifuges that helps with quiet operation, but it also increases the possibility of bacterial or radioactive sample contamination of the rotor and other parts.
While working with microcentrifuges in your laboratory, it is common that your microcentrifuge may not work as well as before, it makes some nonstandard sound or other defects. Some type of microcentrifuge has a frame that can be easily removed or separated to examine the inside part.
Easy and quick dismantling means easy turnaround and less damage in case of repairing your microcentrifuge. Thus, it means with about a half hour or less of downtime, skilled lab personnel with a good toolkit can swiftly disassemble the motor casing and examine for materials.
Do not forget to consider your budget and compare the features and performance of different types of centrifuges within your price range. While cost is a factor, it's important to prioritize the features and specifications that align with your laboratory's needs.
Lastly, you should select a microcentrifuge from a reliable brand with good quality and trustworthiness. You need to consider the quality of client service offered by the producer, consisting of warranty, technical support, and after-sales service.
By carefully considering these factors, you can choose the right microcentrifuge that meets your laboratory's requirements and enables efficient and reliable sample processing. Additionally, seeking recommendations from fellow researchers or consulting with suppliers can provide valuable insights into specific models that have proven to be reliable and effective in similar laboratory settings.
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