Ultracentrifuges spin objects or liquids at high speeds to separate tiny particles and determine their size and molecular weight. They are used in polymer science, biochemistry, and molecular biology. Preparative and analytical versions are available, with preparative models being the most common. Analytical centrifugation measures the physical properties of settling particles and is more common in biomedical research. Ultracentrifuges can be dangerous if not used properly and require regular maintenance and cleaning.
An ultracentrifuge is a scientific instrument or instrument capable of spinning objects or liquids very quickly inside a small, compressed chamber. Depending on the specific purpose, these tools can be very small or quite large: many can easily fit on a table, while others take up entire rooms. However, the ways they work and their basic goals are usually the same, regardless of the specifics. In general, ultracentrifugation is performed at speeds above 20,000 rpm and is used to separate tiny particles from each other in order to determine their size and molecular weight. It is also widely used to study high-content polymers, especially proteins, nucleic acids, viruses and other biological macromolecules. There are preparative and analytical versions of this tool and both are used in polymer science, biochemistry and molecular biology. While the machines are generally considered safe, the speeds at which they operate can present some risks, particularly to operators who are not careful. Full training is usually required of all researchers who will be using this and other related equipment.
Basic concept and main uses
There are usually a couple of different ways to break down composite materials into their individual components, but centrifugation is often a preferred method in many of the research sciences. Rotating compounds around a fixed axis while applying a perpendicular force uses physics to isolate particulates and essentially spin things into their molecular components. Simple liquids and solutions often separate in a standard centrifuge, which is a staple in many physics and chemistry classrooms. An ultracentrifuge works the same way, but typically spins much faster and harder, making it suitable for more complex compounds and substances. These “ultra” varieties are most common in pharmaceutical research and development and are also used in many engineering fields, often for chemical and environmental applications.
Preparatory models
A preparative ultracentrifuge is usually the most common type in laboratories and research facilities. It is used to isolate specific particles for re-use and is considered a high performance tool that is reliable and efficient, and works quickly and quietly. It features a variety of rotors suitable for a variety of separation tasks used in cell biology, biochemistry and molecular biology. A sample can be centrifuged at high speed until its components separate, at which time they can be isolated, measured, and studied further. Most preparatory units include automatic rotor life management, a color LCD screen, and positive feedback capabilities. Many are also able to digitally transfer results to computers and smartphones.
Analytical centrifuge
Analytical centrifugation is another possible use for this type of instrument. This technique measures the physical properties of settling particles and how they behave in the solution state. Theodor Svedberg invented the analytical version of this instrument and won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his research with it. It is more common in biomedical research.
In analytical scenarios, samples are centrifuged in a cell and an optical system projects an image of the cell onto a computer or film in real time. The most common types of analysis-based experiments are those related to sedimentation rate and equilibrium, which provide information on the shapes, sizes and conformational changes of macromolecules.
Dangers and risks
There are dangers associated with using an ultracentrifuge because it runs at very high speeds and often uses solutions involving harsh chemicals. Both of these factors create mechanical stresses which can cause wear on the rotors. Additionally, rotors must be loaded and balanced correctly or they can fail, causing significant damage, injury, and even explosion. Each tool should receive regular maintenance and users should be properly trained to properly load and balance it. Regular cleaning of the rotors is also recommended, for safety and accuracy.
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