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Applications of Centrifugation

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Last updated date: 19th Mar 2024
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Applications of Centrifugation - Briefly Explained

The process of centrifugation has a wide range of modern and laboratory-scale applications. Centrifugation is a technique that can be utilized to separate the broken particles in a solution dependent on their density, size, consistency, or shape. In this technique, a radiating power is applied to the solution to separate the exceptionally thick segments of the solution for the segments that have generally low densities. 


A couple of significant utilization of centrifugation are recorded underneath. In this article, we will learn about the application of centrifugation, centrifugation principle types, and applications, the centrifuge uses in the laboratory, and centrifuge machine uses.


Principle of Centrifugation


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Let us now discuss the centrifuge principle and application.

  1. In a solution, particles whose density is higher than that of the dissolvable sink (silt), and particles that are lighter than it buoy to the top. 

  2. The more noteworthy the distinction in density, the quicker they move. If there is no distinction in density (isopycnic conditions), the particles remain consistent. 

  3. To exploit even little contrasts in density to separate different particles in a solution, gravity can be supplanted with the significantly more impressive "diffusive power" given by a centrifuge. 

  4. A centrifuge is a bit of gear that places an article in pivot around a fixed hub (turns it all around), applying a possibly solid power opposite to the hub of turn (outward). 

  5. The centrifuge works utilizing the sedimentation guideline, where the centripetal speeding up makes denser substances and particles move outward the outspread way. 

  6. Simultaneously, less thick objects are dislodged and move to the middle. 

  7. In the laboratory centrifuge which uses sample tubes, the outspread speeding up tends to make denser particles settle down to the lower portion of the cylinder, whereas the low-density substances ascend to the top.


Applications of Centrifugation 

Let us now discuss the centrifuge machine uses and the centrifuge uses in the laboratory. Below are some of the centrifuge uses.

  1. Centrifugation can be utilized to separate a mixture of two distinctive miscible fluids. 

  2. This technique can likewise be utilized to contemplate and examine macromolecules and their hydrodynamic properties. 

  3. Mammalian cells can be filtered with the assistance of an extraordinary sort of centrifuge. 

  4. Centrifugation is known to have an essential part in the fractionation of numerous subcellular organelles. Moreover, centrifugation is likewise valuable in the fractionation of layer portions and films. 

  5. Centrifugation additionally has applications in the fractionation of layer vesicles. 

  6. Chalk can be separated from water with the assistance of a centrifuge. 

  7. Skimmed milk is a type of milk that has a lower measure of broken fat. Skimmed milk can be gotten from ordinary milk with the assistance of the process of centrifugation. Here, the centrifuge tends to separate the fat from the milk and leaves the necessary skimmed milk behind. 

  8. The cyclonic division is a significant process that has fundamental applications in the detachment of particles from wind currents. 

  9. Another significant use of this technique is in the stabilization and explanation of wine. 

  10. This technique, in a mix with other purification techniques, is very useful while separating proteins. Different techniques that are utilized incorporate salting-out techniques, for example, ammonium sulfate precipitation. 

  11. Centrifuges are broadly utilized in the field of forensic chemistry. In this field, the technique is utilized for the partition of blood segments from blood samples. Besides, the technique is likewise utilized in specific laboratories for the detachment of urine parts from urine samples. 

  12. Differential centrifugation, a particular kind of centrifugation, is known to have applications in the recognizable proof of organelles.

  13. Centrifugation can be used to separate a mixture of two different miscible liquids.

  14. This technique can also be used to study and analyze macromolecules and their hydrodynamic properties. 

  15. Centrifugation is known to play an important role in the fractionation of many  organelles. In addition, centrifugation is useful for membrane fractions and membrane fractions. 

  16. With the help of a centrifuge, the chalk or clay debris can be separated from  the water. 

  17. Skim milk is a type of milk with a low percentage of dissolved fat. Skim milk can be obtained from regular milk using a centrifugation process. Here, the centrifuge helps separate the fat from the milk, leaving the necessary skim milk.

  18. Cyclone separation is an important process that has important uses in separating particles from airflow. 

  19. Another important use of this technology is wine stabilization and clarification.

  20. Combining this technique with other purification techniques can be very helpful in separating proteins. 

  21. Other techniques that have been used include salting-out techniques such as ammonium sulfate precipitation. 

  22. Centrifuges are widely used in forensic chemistry. This is an area where techniques for separating blood components from blood samples are used. 

  23. In addition, this technique is also used in certain laboratories to separate urine components from urine samples. 

  24. Fractional centrifugation, a particular type of centrifugation, is known to be useful for the identification of organelles.

Various separation processes are used to separate the individual components from the mixture. Separation allows the individual components of the mixture to be evaluated and used. Hand-picking, sieving, and filtration are common physical methods for separating heterogeneous mixtures into their constituents. Special techniques may be required to separate the components of the mixture. Solvents, filtration, sublimation, magnets, centrifugation, evaporation, crystallization, distillation, fractional distillation, chromatography, and separation funnels are some of the commonly used physical methods for separating the components of a mixture. In some cases, multiple of these methods are used to separate the mixture. 


There can be three cases of separation of mixtures- 

  1. Separation of a mixture of two solids

  2. Separation of a mixture of a solid and a liquid

  3. Separation of a mixture of two liquids 


Separation of components of a mixture of solid and liquid 

The mixture of solids and liquids are separated in one of the following ways: 

  • By centrifugation 

  • By distillation 

  • By chromatography 

  • By filtration 

  • By crystallization 

  • By evaporation


Centrifugation 

Centrifugation is a method of separating suspended solids from a liquid by rotating the mixture at high speed with a centrifuge or separating light substances from heavy substances by quick stirring or rotating. Centrifugation involves placing a mixture of fine particles suspended in a liquid in a test tube. Place the tube in the centrifuge and rotate it rapidly for a while. When the mixture is spinning fast, the force is acting on the heavier mixture. The particles floating in it are attracted to the bottom of the test tube. A light liquid remains on top of the clear liquid. At home, it is common practice to separate butter and cream. Stir the cream at high speed. When stirred, the butter particles separate and are light, and stick to the liquid. 


Types of Centrifugation and Centrifuges 

Types of Centrifugation 

  1. Preparative centrifugation

  2. Analytical Centrifugation

  3. Differential centrifugation 

  4. Density Gradient Centrifugation 


Types of Centrifuges 

  1. Industrial Centrifuges

  2. Ultracentrifugation

  3. Pusher Centrifuges

  4. Refrigerated Centrifuges 

  5. Benchtop Centrifuges

  6. Hematocrit Centrifuges

  7. PRP Centrifuges

  8. High speed and low-speed centrifuges

FAQs on Applications of Centrifugation

1. How is filtration different from centrifugation? 

Filtration is the process in which the desired outcome is attained after the removal of unwanted particles present in the mixture, whereas in centrifugation it is just the separation of lighter partitions of the mixture from the heavier portion of the mixture. 

2. What are the different kinds of centrifugation?

The various kinds of centrifugation are- 

  • Preparative centrifugation

  • Analytical Centrifugation

  • Differential centrifugation 

  • Density Gradient Centrifugation 

3. What are the different kinds of centrifuges?

The various kinds of centrifuges are- 

  • Industrial Centrifuges

  • Ultracentrifugation

  • Pusher Centrifuges

  • Refrigerated Centrifuges 

  • Benchtop Centrifuges

  • Hematocrit Centrifuges

  • PRP Centrifuges

  • High speed and low-speed centrifuges

4. How does the Centrifugation process help to separate mixtures on the basis of their density?

When the mixture to be separated is rotated at a high speed, it causes the mixture of heavier density to settle at the bottom of the container and the mixture of lighter density to float on top. 

5. What is the need for the separation of the mixture?

The need for the separation of the mixture are:

  • To remove unwanted particles from the mixture

  • To remove a harmful component present in the mixture

  • To attain a pure sample

  • To obtain a useful component from the mixture. 

6. Which factors influence centrifugation?

The factors which affect centrifugation are as follows:

  1. Density of the two samples and solution 

  2. Temperature/ thickness 

  3. Separation of particles uprooting 

  4. Pivot speed 

A centrifuge is a device that separates particles from a solution through the utilization of a rotor. In science, the particles are normal cells, subcellular organelles, or enormous atoms, which are all alluded to here as particles. 


There are two different kinds of centrifuge strategies; the first one is preparative, which is meant to separate explicit particles, and the second one is scientific which includes estimating the physical properties of all the sedimenting particles. 


As the rotor tends to turn in a centrifuge, an outward power applies to each particle in the sample; the particle at that point tends to residue at the rate which is corresponding to the radial power that is applied to it. The thickness of the sample solution and the physical properties of the particles additionally influence the sedimentation pace of every particle. 


At a fixed divergent power and fluid consistency, the sedimentation pace of a particle is relative to its size (sub-atomic weight) and the contrast between the particle density and the density of the solution.

7. Give two applications of centrifugation.

If you have to just state one application of centrifugation, it is to separate two miscible substances. However, take a look at some of the other centrifuge uses that are given below.

  1. To break down the hydrodynamic properties of macromolecules 

  2. Purification of mammalian cells 

  3. Fractionation of subcellular organelles (counting films/layer divisions) Fractionation of layer vesicles 

  4. Separating chalk powder from water 

  5. Eliminating fat from milk to create skimmed milk 

  6. Separating particles from a wind stream utilizing the cyclonic partition 

  7. The stabilization of wine 

  8. Partition of urine segments and blood segments in forensic and research laboratories 

  9. Helps in the detachment of proteins utilizing purification techniques, for example, salting out, ammonium sulfate precipitation, etc.