mikrocentrifuges

A mikrocentrifuge is a small, high-speed centrifuge used in laboratories to separate substances of differing densities, typically in small volumes of liquid. It is a common piece of equipment in molecular biology, biochemistry, and clinical diagnostics. The primary function of a mikrocentrifuge is to rapidly spin samples at high rotational speeds, measured in revolutions per minute (RPM) or relative centrifugal force (RCF) in g-force, causing heavier components to settle at the bottom of the tube while lighter components remain in suspension.

These centrifuges typically use small, disposable tubes, often referred to as microcentrifuge tubes or Eppendorf tubes, which hold volumes ranging from 0.1 mL to 2.0 mL. The rotors in mikrocentrifuges are designed to accommodate these small tubes, and they spin at very high speeds, often exceeding 10,000 RPM, generating forces sufficient for pelleting cells, DNA, or protein precipitates. Mikrocentrifuges are often benchtop units, compact and relatively simple to operate. Many models offer adjustable speed and time settings, and some are refrigerated to maintain sample integrity during centrifugation, especially for temperature-sensitive biological materials. The process of using a mikrocentrifuge involves placing the sample tubes into the rotor, balancing the rotor with opposing tubes, closing the lid, setting the desired speed and time, and initiating the spin cycle. Once complete, the supernatant liquid can be carefully decanted, leaving the separated solid material (pellet) behind.