Different types of laboratory centrifuges and the processes that call for their utilizationA centrifuge is a piece of machinery that revolves (or spins in a circle) an object around a central axis at a consistent speed. This piece of machinery is also known as a device that spins in a circle. In order to accomplish this result, it is necessary to make use of a force that is applied in a direction that is orthogonal to the axis of the spin. This force has the potential to exert a significant amount of power. The process of sedimentation underlies the operation of every type of centrifuge, despite the fact that centrifuges come in a wide variety of configurations. How do the Different Kinds of Centrifuges Carry Out Their Specific Functions? Centrifuges are frequently used in establishments dedicated to scientific research for the purpose of separating two substances that have the same density, as well as in circumstances in which a dissolved solution contains particulates that are insoluble. The sedimentation principle, which states that the acceleration of the rotor results in the application of a centripetal force to both the rotor and the centrifuge tubes, is the driving force behind the operation of all different types of centrifuges.
The result of this action is that 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 gather at the bottom of the tubes that make up the centrifuge. This can happen on occasion. These smaller components are referred to as pellets, and the liquid that is left behind after the pellets have been extracted is referred to as the supernatant. In most cases, the rotational speed of a centrifuge as well as the number of revolutions per minute (rpm) that laboratory centrifuge spins will be predetermined. However, despite having different diameters, two different rotors can still have the same rotational speed. This can happen in a number of different ways. The acceleration of rotors of this type will vary from one another due to the fact that their radii and angular momentums are distinct from one another. There is also an effect that is brought about by the general size of the rotor. As a result of this, the relative centrifugal force, also referred to as RCF, is the unit of measurement that is considered to be standard.
These are the many varieties of centrifuges that are frequently utilized in laboratories and other types of research facilities.1. MicrocentrifugeThe name gives the impression that these are intended to take up as little space as possible, which is supported by the fact that they have a more compact footprint that necessitates the utilization of a negligible amount of space on the workbench. These are frequently used in biological settings as a result of their compatibility with tubes that hold a volume of up to 2.0 ml and their small size. Some of these come packaged with an alternative rotor or rotor adaptors that are capable of fitting tubes of varying sizes. Some people do not. These are utilized for the holding and pelleting of nucleic acids, as well as the microfiltration of minor aqueous samples. Additionally, these are utilized for the holding of nucleic acids. In addition, holding nucleic acids and pelleting proteins from solutions are both additional applications that can be performed.2. Refrigerated CentrifugesRefrigerated centrifuges are utilized for the purpose of storing samples at a constant temperature in order to preserve the samples' integrity. It is absolutely necessary for these centrifuges to operate at their highest possible speeds while maintaining a steady temperature.
Refrigerated centrifuges are ideally suited for conducting analyses of DNA, RNA, PCR products, and antibodies due to the temperature range that extends from -20 degrees Celsius to -40 degrees Celsius. Refrigerated centrifuges feature sections that can be hermetically sealed according to the specifications of the substance that is being processed. They are offered in a number of different configurations, such as the swing bucket, the fixed angle, and a combination of the two of these options. There is a wide variety of work that can be done with refrigerated centrifuges of all sizes, including those with very small and very large capacities. Typically, they are used for the purpose of collecting materials that sediment rapidly, such as yeast cells, chloroplast, and a wide variety of other substances. This is one of their primary functions.3. Centrifuges à Haute Vitesse et à RéfrigérationThese particular varieties of centrifuges have the capacity to generate a significant amount of force, which enables them to collect cellular debris, microorganisms, larger cell organelles, and proteins. High-speed refrigerated centrifuges are available in a wide variety of dimensions as well as capacities for storage, making them extremely versatile.
4. UltracentrifugesThese particular kinds of centrifuges have the potential to generate accelerations of up to one million g, which is a value that is extremely high. With the assistance of ultracentrifuges, users are able to separate molecules by taking advantage of the minute differences that exist between molecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids. There are two distinct types of ultracentrifuges, which can be broken down into the following categories:a. Preparative UltracentrifugesThe most common uses for these are to categorize particles in accordance with their densities, to separate denser particles so that they can be collected as pellets, and to clarify suspensions that contain particles. They assist in the separation of macromolecules and components of lipoproteins from plasma and perform the deprotonization of physiological fluids for the purpose of studying amino acids. This is done in order to study amino acids. 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. This allows the user to perform a variety of different tests on the samples. b. Ultracentrifuges Used for the Purposes of AnalysisThese come outfitted with a light-based optical detection system that enables the monitoring of samples in real time as they spin.
This is made possible thanks to the fact that the system is already installed
- Users are able to watch the sedimentation process unfold in real time on their screens
- They are in a position to watch the sample as it undergoes a process in which the increasing centrifugal force causes it to become more concentrated
- During the analysis phase of the process, a number of different optical systems are utilized
- Some examples of these optical systems include the light absorption system, an alternative Schlieren system, and the Rayleigh interferometric system
- The very last wordAlthough other types of centrifuges are designed for use in large-scale industrial applications, space applications, and applications involving humans, the focus of this post is on laboratory-oriented centrifuges
- However, there are other types of centrifuges that are designed for use in other applications
- Because of the information that has been presented to you in the preceding paragraphs, you should now have a better understanding of the various types of centrifuges that are utilized in laboratories by laboratory technicians and scientists, as well as the purposes for which each type of centrifuge is designed
