The use of laboratory centrifuges is not only limited to medical applications. Research institutions, institutes, research and development centers, and laboratories also use centrifuges for a variety of applications. These can include separating cellular fractions, isolating DNA and RNA, and harvesting proteins from cell lysates. Centrifuges are particularly useful in research as they allow the researcher to obtain specific fractions of interest from heterogeneous samples.
In terms of production, various industries use centrifuges to separate and purify different materials. These industries include bioengineering, biopharmaceuticals, genetic engineering, biochemistry, plant extraction, blood preparations, food processing, petrochemicals, and cream separation. For example, in the biopharmaceutical industry, centrifuges are used to separate and purify proteins, enzymes, and other compounds. Whereas, in the food industry, centrifuges can be used to separate milk into cream and skim milk.
Due to the widespread use of laboratory centrifuges, it is no surprise that there are different types of centrifuges, each designed for different applications. The two most common types are the ultracentrifuge and the general-purpose centrifuge.
The ultracentrifuge can generate high centrifugal forces that allow for the separation of very small or low-density materials, such as proteins, viruses, and DNA. These devices can also be used for sedimentation velocity experiments, where the particle size is measured by the rate that it falls through a viscous liquid as it is spun in the centrifuge.
The general-purpose centrifuge, on the other hand, is designed for a variety of applications that require the separation of materials based on their density. These centrifuges can have varying speeds and capacities, depending on the application requirements. They are commonly used in medical laboratories for the separation of blood components, urine, and other fluids.
When choosing a laboratory centrifuge, there are several factors to consider, such as speed, capacity, rotor type, and features such as cooling, heating, or programmable settings. Choosing the right centrifuge for the job is crucial to obtain accurate and reliable results.
In conclusion, laboratory centrifuges are an important tool in many fields, and their use is only expected to increase with advancements in research and production. Medical laboratory centrifuges provide essential diagnostic information, while research and production fields rely on centrifuges for the separation and purification of various materials. With so many applications, it is easy to see why laboratory centrifuges are an essential tool for any laboratory or industry dealing with liquid samples.