How to Choose the Right Ultracentrifuge for Your Lab

How to Choose the Right Ultracentrifuge for Your Lab

Overview

  • Post By :

  • Source: Microbioz India

  • Date: 03 Dec,2024

The selection of appropriate Ultracentrifuge from a series of laboratory equipment should be carefully considered as it facilitates achieving precision and heightens efficacy of processes. These devices play a fundamental role in the broad area of separating biological samples, purifying compounds or concentrating materials.

But with so many options available, how can you ensure that the centrifuge you choose is appropriate with the requirements of your laboratory?

Ultracentrifuges technique in the lab

In this article, we provide you with a step-by-step guide to help you choose wisely:

Consider the Particular Applications in The Laboratory

Commence by defining the most important processes in which the centrifugal separator will be employed.

For instance, consider the following:

  1. Do you work with biological materials, specifically solid cells, or blood?
  2. Do you require the centrifuge for industrial or special experiments such as nanoparticle measurement?
  3. What volume of samples will be dealt with as well as processed every day?

Knowing your requirements beforehand will help eliminate any guesswork in terms of the areas of speed, capacity, and temperature control.

Take into account Centrifugal Force and Speed

The two of the most crucial factors are centrifugal force which is measured in g-force or RCF and speed which is measured in revolutions per minute RPM both concern;

  1. Low-speed centrifuges: These are best suited for routine blood separation.
  2. High-speed centrifuges: These are ideal for tasks in molecular biology such as DNA precipitation.
  3. Ultrasound centrifuges: Perfect for a greater level of advanced research where advanced separation is required.

Consider the Specifications of the Rotor

One can say that the rotors impact on how the samples are processed. Among common options are:

  1. Fixed-angle rotors: Created for the high-speed sedimentation of particles.
  2. Swinging-bucket rotors: serve areas for horizontal separation.
  3. Always check whether the rotor type is appropriate for the tubes or sample holders you employ.

Assess the Centrifuge for Any Heat Control Features

Biological samples and most other samples are heat labile. This is why refrigerated centrifuges are critical for processes where controlled environments are required to sustain the integrity of samples.

The Volume of Centrifuge Cannot Be Ignored

Due to the capacity of the centrifuges one can say how many numbers and how much volume of samples can be run. If the laboratory is intending on a high throughput then go for a centrifuge that has a higher capacity or one that runs multiple samples at the same time.

Look for Features that Enhance the Safety of the Unit

With the high speeds of the centrifuges, safety features must be prioritized. Features to check include.

  1. Systems for detection of imbalances.
  2. Locking of the rotor in place.
  3. Robust construction of the chamber to enable long term use.

Get Units with Less Time for Maintenance

Aspects that are taken care of in the routine maintenance will extend the life of the equipment and as well reliability. Other features that facilitate maintenance are loose rotors, displays that are easy to operate, self-diagnostic features.

Take into account the Cost and the After-Sale Service as well

Budget consideration is important when it comes to a purchase. Make comparisons for the models you can afford or those that do not exceed your budget, adding expenses for maintenance, and consumables for example. After that, it is necessary to have competent post-sale service for repair, calibration, and spare parts.

Recommended Brands

Although many manufacturers have sufficient offers, some of the trusted Manufacturers include:

  1. Beckman Coulter, Inc
  2. Eppendorf
  3. Thermo Fisher Scientific
  4. Sigma Laborzentrifugen

Conclusion

The correct Ultracentrifuges should be chosen in such a way as to meet the requirements of your lab, the functionality present and the price. A proper assessment of the choices is rather crucial, and it will see one purchase a centrifuge that will serve for many years with speed, reliability, and accuracy.

For more useful information regarding laboratory cutting-edge machines, kindly follow Microbioz Newsstand – reliable source of laboratory advancements and expert recommendations.

About Author