Centrifuges
Centrifuges are a very common type of laboratory equipment used to separate components of a sample based on their size, shape, and density by subjecting them to high-speed spinning forces. The centrifugal force generated by the rotating rotor causes denser particles to move outward to the bottom of the container, while less dense components remain at the top, allowing for the separation of liquids, solids, or different phases within a sample. Centrifuges are widely used in labs across a variety of fields, including biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, and clinical diagnostics, for isolating DNA or RNA, separating blood components, purifying proteins, or isolating cell pellets. There are different types of centrifuges, including bench-top centrifuges for smaller sample volumes and large-scale centrifuges for processing larger quantities of materials.
Centrifuges typically include interchangeable rotors and adapters to accommodate various sample containers, such as test tubes, microplates, or bottles, and offer features like speed control, temperature regulation, and time settings to optimize the separation process. Safety features, such as imbalance detection and automatic lid locking, are also common to ensure proper operation. Centrifuges are necessary equipment for sample preparation, purification, and concentration in a wide range of laboratory applications, where precise and efficient separation is essential.