Researchers in biochemistry, molecular biology, medicine and other fields commonly use centrifugation to separate sample components, a technology that relies on gravity and mass: particles in a heterogeneous solution will over time separate based on size and density. Smaller, less-dense particles may also migrate downward, but at a much slower rate; some particles will never settle, but remain suspended in solution. Because centrifuges accelerate and enhance this process, they have found widespread use across the sciences since the late 19th century.
Centrifugation utilizes centripetal force to drive the separation of a heterogeneous solution into supernatant and pellet. The modern centrifuge amplifies the force of gravity by spinning solutions at a high rate of speed to increase the rate of sedimentation. During this process, materials with a high particle density will sediment towards the axis of centrifugation (down the tube), while materials with a lower particle density will sediment away from the axis of centrifugation. For example, bacterial cells in suspension have a high particle density and will tend to settle to the bottom.
A process that normally takes hours or days under the force of normal gravity (1 g) can be shortened to minutes when a force of 10,000 g is applied with a relatively inexpensive and easy-to-use piece of equipment. The faster the centrifuge turns (i.e., the higher the RPM), the faster the faster the sedimentation. Relative centrifugal force (RCF) is another way of expressing the gravitational force (g-force), or the turning of the rotor, which allows researchers to easily separate tissues, cells, organelles, and macromolecules for further investigation.
The centrifuge incorporates one of two types of rotors, which house the tubes where separation occurs. Fixed-angle rotors hold tubes at a stable angle (typically 45°) relative to the axis of rotation. A swinging-bucket rotor swings out when centripetal force is applied and holds the cells at an approximate 90° angle relative to the angle of rotation. Recall that more dense materials will separate towards the angle of the centripetal force. Therefore in swinging-bucket rotors, the pelleted material will form at the bottom of the conical centrifuge tube whereas tubes processed in a fixed-angle rotor will form sedimentation on the side. This could be problematic if the solids get caught in the angle of the tube.
The fact that swinging-bucket rotors offer a superior sedimentation location makes them the obvious choice for centrifuging samples under most conditions; however, fixed-angle rotors offer valuable benefits that often make them a more desirable choice. What are they? First, due to its simple and efficient tube spacing, a fixed-angle rotor can hold a greater quantity of tubes compared to its swinging-bucket counterpart, making it more practical for high-throughput applications. Next, as a result of the rigid design of the metal alloy material, fixed rotors can withstand much higher gravitational forces necessary when separating biological macromolecules such as RNA, DNA and protein. Finally, researchers often wish to wash the pelleted material repeatedly after centrifugation. The placement of the pellet on the side of the tube allows it to be washed with solution more easily without the possibility of disturbing the pellet.
Hermle’s compact high-speed refrigerated centrifuge has automatic rotor recognition. Recall stored protocols using the microprocessor control with LCD display.
Heraeus Megafuge Centrifuge from Thermo Fisher is designed for clinical and research labs. Use control panel to process samples in tubes and microplates.
Mini/Micro Centrifuges by Benchmark Scientific and Thermo Fisher
myFuge Mini centrifuge (shown) includes rotors for microtube and PCR tube/strip; MyFuge 5, 12, StripSpin 12, PlateFuge MC-12 High-Speed and mySPIN models also available from Benchmark Scientific
Centrifuge Models
Floor standing Multifuge X4F Pro Series Centrifuges by Thermo Fisher Scientific
1.6L Megafuge ST1 and ST1R Plus Centrifuge Packages with swinging bucket rotor by Thermo Fisher Scientific
Multifuge X4 and X4R Pro Benchtop Centrifuges by Thermo Fisher Scientific
IVD Certified Multifuge X1R Pro Benchtop Refrigerated Centrifuge by Thermo Fisher Scientific
Megafuge ST4 Plus Series Benchtop Centrifuges by Thermo Fisher Scientific
Benchtop Megafuge ST1 and ST1R Plus Centrifuges by Thermo Fisher Scientific
Benchtop Z207-M Microcentrifuge by Hermle
MC-24 Touch High-Speed Microcentrifuge by Benchmark Scientific
CW3 Centra Cell Washers by Thermo Fisher Scientific
Compact Benchtop Centrifuges from Thermo Scientific
Benchmark MyFuge 12 Mini Centrifuge Quasar Instuments
Mini/Micro Centrifuges by Benchmark Scientific and Thermo Fisher
Ventilated and refrigerated floor standing 4-liter Multifuge X4F Pro Series Centrifuge by Thermo Fisher Scientific saves on tabletop space; 100-program memory a | 1717-PP-04 displayedFloor standing Multifuge X4F Pro Series Centrifuges by Thermo Fisher Scientific
Cell culture and blood tube centrifuge packages for 1.6L Megafuge ST1 and ST1R Plus models include TX-400 or H-Flex 1 rotors with biocontainment lids and adapte | 6708-PP-01 displayed1.6L Megafuge ST1 and ST1R Plus Centrifuge Packages with swinging bucket rotor by Thermo Fisher Scientific
4L ventilated and refrigerated Multifuge X4 and X4R Pro Centrifuges by Thermo Scientific with a 100-program memory and a touchscreen LCD display; FDA listed | 1717-PP-03 displayedMultifuge X4 and X4R Pro Benchtop Centrifuges by Thermo Fisher Scientific
1.6L Multifuge X1R Pro Refrigerated Centrifuge by Thermo Fisher Scientific with a touchscreen interface, 100-program memory and a 4 x 400 mL capacity | 1717-60 displayedIVD Certified Multifuge X1R Pro Benchtop Refrigerated Centrifuge by Thermo Fisher Scientific
4-Liter Megafuge ST4 and ST4R Plus Benchtop Centrifuges by Thermo Scientific with AutoLock rotor exchange spin up to 196 x 5/7 mL blood tubes | 1717-PP-02 displayedMegafuge ST4 Plus Series Benchtop Centrifuges by Thermo Fisher Scientific
1.6L Megafuge ST1/ST1R Plus Centrifuges by Thermo Scientific have a 15,200 maximum rpm and 6-program memory | 6707-PP-14 displayedBenchtop Megafuge ST1 and ST1R Plus Centrifuges by Thermo Fisher Scientific
Compact 11" unit with a maintenance free, induction rotor, am advanced microprocessor and a 13,500 max rpm fits common microtubes; in 115V and 230V modelsBenchtop Z207-M Microcentrifuge by Hermle
Cold room safe MC-24 Touch High Speed Microcentrifuge by Benchmark Scientific with a full-color touchscreen accepts microtubes and PCR tubes/strips | 2829-PP-15 displayedMC-24 Touch High-Speed Microcentrifuge by Benchmark Scientific
Models with 12-tube or 24-tube rotors have a max speed of 3,000rpm (centrifuge); 1200rpm (wash); 350 to 500rpm (decant) | 1108-PP-07 displayedCW3 Centra Cell Washers by Thermo Fisher ScientificCompact blood cell washers with automated cycling reduce the risk of cross-contamination and process 24 samples in three minutes; features a digital display and alerts
Heraeus Pico 21 and Fresco 17 Microcentrifuges meet complex micro-volume protocol for ventilated or refrigerated centrifugation | 1108-PP-02 displayedThermo Scientific Hereaus Pico 21 Ventilated and Fresco 17 Refrigerated MicrocentrifugesHeraeus Pico and Fresco Microcentrifuges speed up micro-volume sample preparation processes; ideal for routine lab work or high-end research applications
Thermo Fisher Scientific general product manager, John Collings on the compact benchtop centrifugesCompact Benchtop Centrifuges from Thermo ScientificShort video demonstrating the benefits of the compact benchtop centrifuge
Benchmark My Fuge 12 Mini Centrifuge being shown in a short video demonstrationBenchmark MyFuge 12 Mini Centrifuge Quasar InstumentsShort video demonstrating how the Benchmark 12 mini centrifuge works
Choose from a wide range of microcentrifuges ideal for quick spin down of tubes, PCR tubes and microplates; rotors and adapters sold separately | 2812-PP-01 displayedMini/Micro Centrifuges by Benchmark Scientific and Thermo FishermyFuge Mini centrifuge (shown) includes rotors for microtube and PCR tube/strip; MyFuge 5, 12, StripSpin 12, PlateFuge MC-12 High-Speed and mySPIN models also available from Benchmark Scientific
