What is a Centrifuge tube used for?
Centrifuges, the linchpin of laboratories, operate on the sedimentation principle, leveraging acceleration to separate particles from a solution. What distinguishes a standard tube from a centrifuge tube is its ability to withstand the high-speed rotation required for sorting heterogeneous mixtures based on differing densities, presenting a distinctive conical shape.
In molecular biology laboratories, centrifugation reigns as a fundamental technique. Laboratories engaged in active research often boast an arsenal of centrifuges, each equipped with various rotors tailored to diverse applications.
Diverse Applications of Centrifuge Tubes:
Unlocking DNA from Blood Cells:
Centrifuge tubes play a pivotal role in blood work, facilitating the separation of organelles from blood cells. This process, with blood cells settling at the bottom, becomes a gateway to efficient DNA and RNA extraction.
Sample Processing Precision:
When contaminants infiltrate a sample earmarked for analysis, the importance of sample processing emerges. This step ensures the removal of impurities, paving the way for accurate analyses.
Soil Analysis:
Soil analysis methods often involve combining soil with water or a solvent. Centrifuge tubes contribute by releasing target analytes from the soil into the water ensuring a clear solution suitable for instrumental analysis.
Preservation of Laboratory Equipment:
As valuable investments, laboratory instruments demand preservation. Using a centrifuge to separate different layers of materials can contribute to the longevity of your equipment. The instruments inject a small volume of sample through a column, which separates target analytics and are then identified by instruments software.
Putting the sample in a tube and spinning it will pull all the soil material to the bottom of the tube. The denser particles collect at the bottom of the tube whilst the less dense particles remain towards the top, effectively facilitating the separation of the mixture of components. Then the water can be removed from the tube for analysis.
How to use a centrifuge tube
To leverage the power of a centrifuge tube effectively:
The importance of balancing the tubes in a centrifuge
As mentioned, centrifuge tubes experience an overwhelming amount of gravitational force during high rotational speeds whilst in the centrifuge. Revolutions Per Minute (RPM), not to be confused with RCF, is the measurement of how fast the centrifuge rotor does a full rotation in one minute, revealing how fast the motor is spinning. Speeds can range from 300 RPM to as high as 150,000 RPM which is the most powerful type of centrifuge called an ultracentrifuge.
Balancing the centrifuge with a centrifuge tube on either side is essential for high rotational speeds. If the centrifuge hasn’t been balanced then the samples can become unevenly disturbed. This can result in the centrifuge rocking vigorously, the tubes being ejected out, or even breaking the centrifuge.
What to consider when buying a centrifuge tube?Also known as centrifuge vials, they are laboratory diagnostic supplies that are available in different sizes and types depending on the specific needs of an experiment or procedure. This can range from small microcentrifuge tubes that hold a few microliters of liquid up to large bottles that can hold several litres.
Before buying a centrifuge tube you must consider its purpose. Many factors need to be taken into account. Tubes differ for each application, and it is important to find the appropriate tube for the experiment and procedure being carried out.
Chemical resistance - although seemingly obvious but worthy of mention for the repercussions of not finding the appropriate tube for the chemical you are separating. Choosing a material that does not react with the chemical being held is important. Polypropylene is one of the most common materials used as it can withstand high speeds and is resistant to most organic solvents.
Relative centrifugal force (RCF) - is the gravitational force acting on the samples during centrifugation. There is a maximum speed at which tubes can spin. The speed that a tube can withstand varies from brand to brand and type of tube to type of tube. It is essential to look at the RCF to determine what speed you can spin a particular tube. If you are working with high speeds opt for a higher RCF rating.
The centrifuge tube you require depends on the application. Here are some common types of tubes and their uses:
These are made from plastic and typically hold between 0.5 to 2 millilitres of liquid. They are appropriate for biology and biochemistry labs for procedures including DNA and RNA work, protein purification, and cell fractionation.
These tubes are made from a strong plastic material, such as polypropylene. It typically contains 15 to 50 millilitres. Their name derives from the tapered bottom. These tubes are used for various applications, including cell culture and sample storage.
Polymerase Chain Reaction tubes have been developed to withstand a PCR, which changes the temperature of the samples at a rapid rate to help the DNA replication process. This means the tubes are thin, the thickness allows the heat to rapidly move in and out of the tube, which is crucial for the DNA copying process. Also, these tubes are small, holding no more than 0.5 millilitres of liquid.
As implied by the name, it can withstand extreme speeds of up to 100,000 rpm or more, and the associated forces in an ultracentrifuge. They are typically thin-walled and are used to separate biological molecules like proteins and nucleic acids.
Cryogenic Tubes
These tubes are used to store and transport biological material in extremely cold temperatures. They usually include a leak-proof system to prevent contamination.
Polyallomer Tubes
Perhaps the most versatile of the centrifuge tubes as it can be used for a range of applications. However, they are often used in density gradient ultracentrifugation, a procedure that separates biological particles based on their buoyant density. In these applications, the tubes are filled with gradients of dense material (often a sucrose or caesium chloride solution), and the sample is layered on top.
When it spins at high speeds, the particles in the sample migrate through the gradient until they reach the point at which their density matches the surrounding solution. This allows for extremely precise separation, making polyallomer tubes valuable in various applications. Whether in environmental studies, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or environmental labs, here at Delta Scientific, we offer an extensive range of high-quality and versatile centrifuge tubes.
Elevating Your Laboratory Experience
In laboratories, where precision meets innovation, the choice of a centrifuge tube is not just a choice but a commitment to scientific discovery. As you set out on scientific discovery, tailor your choice to the unique needs of your laboratory and type of experiment or procedure.
Delta Scientific are here to assist the smooth running and success of your laboratory, offering not only high-quality tubes but solutions to elevate your laboratory efficiency with an extensive range of equipment and brands, conveniently available on one site.
Contact us today for any assistance in selecting the ideal tube to enhance your processes.