High speed centrifugation in one of the techniques used widely across molecular biology and biochemistry labs. Furthermore, it is also used for medical research. The device makes samples spin at very high speed for the components to separate based on their density, size, and shape. Although centrifugation is one of the powerful tools used for preparing samples, the process is equally sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Therefore, temperature control in high-speed cooling centrifuge is a matter of concern for researchers; the more precise the temperature better is the outcome.
What is high-speed centrifugation?
High speed centrifugation is the method of spinning samples at extremely high speed of over 10,000 RPM. The main goal of this equipment is separating different components of a sample like nucleic acids, proteins, macromolecules, and organelles. Usually, the centrifugal force that the device generates during spinning makes the particles move to different layers within the sample, which is known as sedimentation. The technique in various applications like:
- Purification of proteins where specific proteins are isolated from within a mixture
- Extraction of RNA or DNA where nucleic acids need to separate from cellular debris
- Cell pellets that takes place in laboratories for analysis
Role of temperature in high-speed centrifuge
Temperature plays a vital role in high-speed centrifugation and impacts the efficiency of the separation process as well as the integrity of the samples.
Read here to understand the significance and role of temperature regulation in high-speed centrifugation devices:
- Preventing degradation of samples
One of the primary issues that arise during high-speed centrifugation is the risk of sample degradation. When it comes to biological samples like enzymes, nucleic acids, and proteins, temperature-controlled centrifuge is a more realistic solution.
The reason is that it helps control the high heat that generates during the process and prevents the formation of unwanted thermal effects. Due to excessive heat, the function and structure of various biomolecules may be altered and proteins undergo denaturation, and enzymes lose their catalytic activity. At the same time, nucleic acids may be damaged due to oxidative degradation or hydrolysis. That is why having control over temperature is a must-have during the centrifugation process.
- Optimising the efficiency of sedimentation
Uncontrolled temperature may affect the sedimentation process as well. During high-speed centrifugation, the particles separate based on their density and size. Now, the speed of movement of the particles depends not only on the force applied but the viscosity of the medium. As temperature impacts the viscosity of liquids, it tends to reduce when the temperature is high.
Due to reduced viscosity, the rate of sedimentation may change when working with complex or sensitive samples. With temperature control, viscosity becomes stable and the separation of components takes place appropriately. Eventually, the accuracy of the experiment improves to a great extent.
- Minimises the build-up of heat
The process of spinning a sample in a cooling centrifuge
is bound to generate very high heat due to fast movement. With
increased speed of spinning, the heat production increases. Now, unless
the heat dissipates faster, it may lead to an abnormal increase of
sample temperature and create an effect of localized heat. Due to such
fluctuations in temperature, the variability of the sedimentation
process changes greatly and the results become inconsistent. Keeping the
temperatures low prevents buildup of excessive heat and the reliability
of the results improves greatly.
- Boosting the recovery of samples
One of the objectives of using a high speed cooling centrifuge device is boosting the recovery of samples like cells, nucleic acids, and proteins. Without regulating the temperature, the nature of the sample may be compromised greatly and the yield goes down as well.
For instance, when the temperature builds up beyond limits, the fragile calls may be destroyed. That is why controlling the temperature in a high-speed cooling centrifuge is essential to recover the target components of the sample, resulting in good yield and desired results.
- Improving reliability of the results
Centrifugation is a standardised process taking place in scientific research fields. However, temperature fluctuations often lead to inconsistencies between successive runs. For instance, when one run takes place at a specific temperature, which is higher than the other, the proteins might denature faster than expected, resulting in the variation of results.
So, you are familiar now that temperature control is an essential aspect of high-speed centrifugation. It is one of the most important considerations that one needs to consider as it impacts the reliability of the entire process. It is necessary to maintain low and constant temperatures throughout the process of centrifugation to ensure that the sensitivity of the samples remain intact. At IGene Labserve, one of the best-known suppliers of lab equipment, we sell top-grade equipment for laboratories. Navigate the website here https://www.igenels.com/ to learn more about the prices and the features of lab equipment.
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