Centrifuge tubes, essential vessels in laboratory work, come in various sizes and shapes to accommodate diverse sample types and processing needs.
This article will introduce the categories and materials of centrifuge tubes.
They are typically classified into three size categories:
Large Centrifuge Tubes (e.g., 500mL, 250mL)
Regular Centrifuge Tubes (e.g., 50mL, 15mL)
Microcentrifuge Tubes (e.g., 2mL, 1.5mL, 0.65mL, 0.2mL)
Centrifuge tubes can also be distinguished by the shape of their bottoms:
Conical Centrifuge Tubes (with conical bottoms, most commonly used)
Flat-Bottom Centrifuge Tubes
Round-Bottom Centrifuge Tubes
Furthermore, centrifuge tubes vary in lid closure mechanisms:
Snap-Cap Centrifuge Tubes (sealed by pressing, often seen in microcentrifuge tubes)
Screw-Cap Centrifuge Tubes (available with flat or plug lids)
Centrifuge tubes are crafted from various materials, each offering unique properties:
Steel Centrifuge Tubes: Known for their robustness, heat resistance, and chemical corrosion resistance. However, they are not suitable for use with highly corrosive chemicals.
Glass Centrifuge Tubes: Ideal for applications not requiring extreme centrifugal forces. However, their strength may limit their suitability for high-speed centrifugation.
Plastic Centrifuge Tubes: Available in transparent or semi-transparent options, enabling easy sample observation. However, they may deform over time and are less resistant to organic solvent corrosion.
Distinct Plastic Materials:
PP (Polypropylene): Semi-transparent, with good chemical and temperature stability, although unsuitable for temperatures below 4°C.
PC (Polycarbonate): Highly transparent and robust, suitable for high-temperature sterilization. However, they are not resistant to strong acids, alkalis, or certain organic solvents.
PE (Polyethylene): Opaque and stable, resistant to certain chemicals, but susceptible to softening at high temperatures.
Selecting the right material depends on factors such as centrifugal force, sample characteristics, and temperature requirements. It's crucial to consider the material's properties and limitations in line with your experimental needs when making your choice.
This article will introduce the categories and materials of centrifuge tubes.
They are typically classified into three size categories:
Large Centrifuge Tubes (e.g., 500mL, 250mL)
Regular Centrifuge Tubes (e.g., 50mL, 15mL)
Microcentrifuge Tubes (e.g., 2mL, 1.5mL, 0.65mL, 0.2mL)
Centrifuge tubes can also be distinguished by the shape of their bottoms:
Conical Centrifuge Tubes (with conical bottoms, most commonly used)
Flat-Bottom Centrifuge Tubes
Round-Bottom Centrifuge Tubes
Furthermore, centrifuge tubes vary in lid closure mechanisms:
Snap-Cap Centrifuge Tubes (sealed by pressing, often seen in microcentrifuge tubes)
Screw-Cap Centrifuge Tubes (available with flat or plug lids)
Centrifuge tubes are crafted from various materials, each offering unique properties:
Steel Centrifuge Tubes: Known for their robustness, heat resistance, and chemical corrosion resistance. However, they are not suitable for use with highly corrosive chemicals.
Glass Centrifuge Tubes: Ideal for applications not requiring extreme centrifugal forces. However, their strength may limit their suitability for high-speed centrifugation.
Plastic Centrifuge Tubes: Available in transparent or semi-transparent options, enabling easy sample observation. However, they may deform over time and are less resistant to organic solvent corrosion.
Distinct Plastic Materials:
PP (Polypropylene): Semi-transparent, with good chemical and temperature stability, although unsuitable for temperatures below 4°C.
PC (Polycarbonate): Highly transparent and robust, suitable for high-temperature sterilization. However, they are not resistant to strong acids, alkalis, or certain organic solvents.
PE (Polyethylene): Opaque and stable, resistant to certain chemicals, but susceptible to softening at high temperatures.
Selecting the right material depends on factors such as centrifugal force, sample characteristics, and temperature requirements. It's crucial to consider the material's properties and limitations in line with your experimental needs when making your choice.
next: The Application of Plastic Centrifuge Tubes
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