Micro Centrifuges

Microcentrifuge Overview: A Standard for the Modern Laboratory

Microcentrifuges are compact, high-speed instruments designed for the rapid separation of small liquid sample volumes in molecular biology, biochemistry, and clinical lab settings. Their primary application involves tasks such as nucleic acid extraction, protein precipitation, and pelleting of cellular debris. These centrifuges feature rapid acceleration and deceleration, ensuring efficient sample processing with minimal temperature fluctuations.

Microcentrifuges differ from standard centrifuges by utilizing smaller tubes, typically from 1.5 to 2 mL, and models supporting other micro-volume formats are available. A mini centrifuge is a smaller version often used for quick spins. Critical selection criteria include the operating temperature range, instrument size, rotational speed, and supported tube formats.

Key Features: What Defines an Advanced High Speed Micro Centrifuge with Temperature Control?

• A versatile benchtop micro centrifuge combines the functions of multiple instruments within a compact footprint of just over one foot of bench space. It can spin microcentrifuge tubes, PCR strips, microplates, and even 15 and 50 mL conical tubes, a capability previously restricted to larger instruments.
• These centrifuges deliver high-speed centrifugation up to 30,130 × g (17,500 RPM) and feature eight rotor options for a wide range of tube sizes. A programmable interface with a large backlit LCD display allows for precise parameter control and access to up to 50 stored protocols.
• The refrigerated version utilizes a rear-mounted compressor to maintain a compact design and low access height. It includes advanced cooling technologies for scheduled pre-cooling, an ECO shut-off function to conserve energy, and dynamic compressor control for precise temperature regulation.
• Low-noise operation and an automatic lid-opening feature enhance user comfort. An aerosol-tight rotor for 1.5 or 2.0 mL tubes, a quick-lock rotor lid, and a soft-touch closure support ergonomic handling. A rotary knob and clear digital display allow for fast parameter selection, along with an automatic RPM/RCF conversion function.
• A multi-flow air cooling system protects thermally sensitive sample materials. A SOFT-brake function safeguards fragile sample pellets, while a customizable end-of-run alarm minimizes noise.

Key Scientific Applications for Microcentrifuges

• DNA/RNA extraction: Microcentrifuges are used to isolate and purify nucleic acids by separating DNA or RNA from cellular debris and contaminants. The extracted genetic material is ready for analysis in any molecular biology lab.
• Protein assays: The instruments clarify protein sample preparations by removing insoluble materials before analysis, enabling accurate measurement of concentration and activity without interference.
• Sample concentration: They concentrate dilute solutions by spinning down solutes or biomolecules into a pellet, increasing the density for subsequent experiments.
• Cell pellet processing: They are routinely used to collect and wash cell pellets from suspension cultures, facilitating smooth handling for downstream molecular or biochemical procedures.
• Clinical diagnostics: This application involves separating plasma or serum from whole blood for various diagnostic tests, allowing small volumes to be processed quickly for timely results.
• Cell fractionation: They help isolate specific cellular components, such as nuclei, mitochondria, or other organelles, from cell suspensions. This enables researchers to study cell structure and function in detail.
• Molecular biology: Microcentrifuges assist in preparing DNA, RNA, and protein samples by removing debris and concentrating the material. This ensures high-quality samples for experiments like PCR, cloning, or sequencing.
• Cell biology research: Microcentrifuges are used to separate and collect cellular components, including organelles and proteins, from cell cultures. This allows detailed analysis of cellular processes and functions.
• Nanotechnology applications: They help isolate and concentrate nanoparticles or nanomaterials from suspensions, which ensures precise handling and measurement for experiments in nanomaterial synthesis and characterization.

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