microcentrifugador

A microcentrifuge is a small laboratory centrifuge used to spin samples at high speeds. It is commonly employed in molecular biology, biochemistry, and clinical laboratories. The primary function of a microcentrifuge is to separate components of a liquid mixture based on their density. This is achieved by spinning the sample at a centrifugal force that causes denser particles to settle at the bottom of the tube, while lighter components remain in suspension or move towards the top.

Microcentrifuges typically use small tubes, often called microcentrifuge tubes or Eppendorf tubes, which range in volume from 0.2 mL to 2.0 mL. These tubes are placed in a rotor that spins at high revolutions per minute (RPM). The speed of a microcentrifuge is often measured in RPM or in relative centrifugal force (RCF), which is expressed in 'g' units. RCF takes into account both the speed of the rotor and its radius.

Common applications for microcentrifuges include pelleting DNA, RNA, and proteins, separating cell debris from a supernatant, and concentrating small volumes of liquid. They are essential for many routine laboratory procedures, offering a quick and efficient method for sample preparation and analysis. Their compact size and relatively low cost make them a standard piece of equipment in most biological and chemical research settings.