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A small benchtop centrifuge is an important laboratory equipment used for spinning samples at high-speed rotational force. They help in separating samples according to their density. There are different types of small benchtop centrifuges, and they are optimized based on the application areas and the type of sample to be processed.
Here are some of the types of small benchtop centrifuges:
A small microcentrifuge is usually found in biological as well as chemical laboratories. It is used for spinning small sample tubes meant for separating liquid from solid. Most of these centrifuges have a rotor that contains space for 12 to 16 microtubes and can produce forces that are 15,000 times more than gravitational force.
Swing-out centrifuges have rotors that allow buckets holding sample tubes to swing out to a horizontal position during spinning. The samples are better settled because the centrifugal force reaches the bottom of the tube. Swing-out centrifuges are ideal for larger samples and give better separation results, although they take longer to rotate than fixed rotors.
These centrifuges come with a refrigeration unit that helps cool the samples during spinning. The cooling process helps prevent the heat generated by the centrifugal force from altering the samples. These centrifuges are useful in biomedical research, molecular biology, and other laboratory works where temperature-sensitive samples need to be preserved.
They are developed to achieve higher centrifugal forces than normal centrifuges. They can reach 20,000 RPM or more, thus offering better separation than slower models. They are often used in work that requires efficient separation, such as pelleting cells, purifying nucleic acids, or protein precipitation.
In a fixed-angle centrifuge, the tubes are held at a fixed angle concerning the axis of rotation. The angle allows the precipitate to form a tight pellet against the bottom of the tube, thus speeding the separation process. Fixed-angle centrifuges are commonly used in routine clines that involve centrifuging small volumes of liquid.
Biohazard centrifuges are specially made for handling infectious materials, such as clinical specimens or cultures that contain pathogenic microorganisms. They feature sealed rotors, spill-proof buckets, and other safety features that help prevent aerosols from escaping during the spin cycle.
In summary, selecting the right type of small benchtop centrifuge depends on chemical processes, sample types, and separation needs.
A small benchtop centrifuge comes with features suited to the many tasks it does at the lab scale. The features boost their performance, versatility, and ease of operation.
Small benchtop centrifuges come in various rotors that accommodate different tube sizes or sample containers. Several rotors are made to allow the same centrifuge to perform multiple tasks. They have interchangeable rotors, which are easy to swap when needed. The rotors are also selected based on the type of centrifugation demanded by the business, like microtubing or larger conical tubes.
The rotational speed of the benchtop centrifuge affects how well it can separate components. Most small centrifuges have variable speed to allow control over the rotational speed depending on the separation required. The speed sometimes goes as high as 15,000 RPM. This ensures that sedimentation is efficient, especially in high-speed centrifuged blood samples.
Advanced models incorporate digital speed settings with a programmable touch control for accuracy. This eliminates the chances of errors that are common with manual control. The centrifuges also have speed increments in increments to achieve fine control to meet precise experimental needs.
Temperature control is another important feature, especially for sensitive biological samples. They use a refrigeration system to maintain a stable temperature during centrifugation. This prevents sample degradation, such as cell lysis, protein denaturation, or nucleic acid breakdown. The temperature control features allow users to set and maintain the desired temperature range.
Small benchtop centrifuges are commonly designed for easy operation and maintenance. Some common ease-of-use features include:
Small benchtop centrifuges are also designed with important safety features to ensure users' safety and the equipment's reliability. The common ones include automatic lid locking and unlocking systems to prevent opening the lid during spinning. They also feature run-out balance detection that checks for any imbalance in the rotor to minimize vibrations.
Small benchtop centrifuges are commonly used in different companies, from medical to research, to effectively separate deal samples in small volumes. Below are some commercial uses of small benchtop centrifuges:
They use small benchtop centrifuges to separate blood components such as red and white blood cells, plasma, and platelets. Spinning these components increases efficiency in isolating serum or plasma for various tests. This helps lab technicians complete their tasks faster and get accurate separation results. They also help avoid manual labor and minimize sample handling risks.
In this field, small benchtop centrifuges are used to purify plasmids and proteins and isolate cell populations. They allow the spinning of cell cultures to separate supernatants from pellets, aiding in cell harvesting. They also enable researchers to centrifuge tissue samples for organoids. Thus, having a small benchtop centrifuge provides businesses with efficient and reliable tools to support their experiments.
In the pharmaceutical field, these small centrifuges are used for drug formulation, such as separating solids from liquids in compound suspensions. They are also used in quality control to analyze the purity of the drugs by separating the components in the samples. Pharmaceutical companies also use them to process small-scale product samples for testing or to assist in the formulation of drugs in research and development.
Small benchtop centrifuges in research facilities are used for routine piloting that involves sedimentation, such as spinning samples for biochemical analysis. They are also used to isolate DNA or RNA from biological samples for genetic research. Researchers also use them to spin protein and cell samples for analysis in studies and experiments.
In environmental testing, they are used to analyze soil or water samples by separating suspended solids from liquids. This helps them check for contaminants or determine the sediment composition. Having small benchtop centrifuges allows labs to process samples quickly before doing chemical analysis.
When purchasing a small benchtop centrifuge, buyers need to consider several important factors because they directly impact the centrifuge's performance and suitability for their operational task. Below are some of the buyer considerations when choosing a benchtop centrifuge:
Buyers should consider the sample type and volume they handle when choosing a small benchtop centrifuge. This is because different centrifuging tasks need different rotor types and speed ranges. For example, microcentrifuges are ideal for small test tube centrifuge work, while larger samples require fixed-angle or swing-out rotors. Understanding the needs of the samples will help buyers select the right centrifuge for their work.
Buyers should assess the separation needs of their tasks. High-speed centrifuges will be required for tasks that call for high separation, while low-speed ones will suffice for simple pelleting. They should also decide whether they need variable speed control so they can tune the required speed depending on the sample that will be spun.
Buyers should pay close attention to the material used in making the small benchtop centrifuge and its overall build. Those used in heavy work or that require constant operation need to be very durable in resisting wear and tear. Centrifuges made with metal rotors and bodies give more strength and stability than those made with plastic. Also, look for shields and other protective features that make the centrifuge safe to work with.
Budget plays an important role in deciding what small benchtop centrifuge to buy because they determine the type and quality of the centrifuge to buy. Buyers need to balance between the features they require and the costs. Advanced models, like refrigerated or high-speed centrifuges, may be expensive. However, if their business requires them to perform essential tasks, they are worth the cost.
Consider the maintenance requirements of the centrifuge. Some small bench centrifuges are humidity-free; for example, the rotor does not require frequent cleaning or replacing. Other models may need regular maintenance. Buyers need to check on the maintenance and ask themselves whether they have the time and resources when required.
A1. Small refrigerated and non-refrigerated centrifugers are the same in function. However, the refrigerated one is more advanced because it has a built-in cooling system that helps maintain a stable temperature during the spin. This makes it an ideal choice for sensitive biological samples that require a certain temperature range to maintain their integrity during centrifugation.
A2. Buyers are advised to perform the following maintenance to ensure their small benchtop centrifhage lasts long: routinely wash the rotor after each use, check for signs of wearing or tear, and check for imbalance regularly. Other maintenance requirements include checking for any unusual noises or vibrations and, if required, seeking professional maintenance services.
A3. Yes, one can use a small benchtop centrifuge for cell culture, provided that it has the right rotor and speed for the cells to be spun. It is important to use a gentle speed when spinning cell cultures to avoid damaging the cells and have healthy viable cells for experimentation in the lab.
A4. One can spin organoids in a small benchtop centrifuge, provided that the centrifuge has an appropriate rotor and the right speed for the organoid suspension. This helps improve the organoid structures by allowing the cells to settle and aggregate, thus forming dense multicellular entities.
A5. Most small benchtop centrifuges will top at 20,000 RPM, depending on the model and design of the equipment and the sample type to be spun. Generally, high-speed centrifuges provide better separation than low-speed ones.
