centrifuge tubes types

Centrifuge tubes are vital equipment in the field of modern medicine. They are cylindrical tubes that are used to hold the liquid during centrifugation. The process of separating components from heterogeneous mixtures based on their density by using centrifugal force is known as centrifugation. During the centrifugation process, rapid rotation generates relative centrifugal force (RCF), which makes the denser particles move towards the bottom and the less dense particles suspend on the top. You will find centrifuge tubes made of glass or plastic at any centrifuge tube supplier.

In this blog, we will look at the different types of centrifuge tubes that are available on the market.

Different Types of Centrifuge Tubes

Centrifuge tubes are available in different materials, compositions, and designs. Each one is made for specific applications.

Plastic Centrifuge Tubes

Plastic centrifuge tubes are usually made from polycarbonate (PC) or polypropylene (PP). They are commonly used in modern laboratories because they are versatile and inexpensive. PP tubes are very resistant to chemicals like acids, bases, and organic solvents. PC tubes offer less resistance than PP tubes, but they are optically clearer. Hence, they are used for applications that require precise spectro-photometric analysis. You can easily buy these tubes from a laboratory plasticware supplier.

Glass Centrifuge Tubes

These tubes are typically made from borosilicate glass and offer high thermal stability, chemical inertness, and reusability. But, due to their fragility, they do not perform well under mechanical stress and are also incompatible with most high-speed centrifuges.

Special Centrifuge Tubes

These tubes are specially designed for niche experimental demands:

  • Microcentrifuge Tubes: With a capacity of 0.2-2 ml, they are optimized for small-volume samples.
  • Cryogenic Tubes: They feature tapered bottoms to concentrate pellets during cell structure or protein precipitation. They have a capacity of 15 to 50 ml.
  • Conical Tubes: They are made from reinforced PP or polyethyl sulfone (PES) to endure temperatures as low as -196 °C.

Conclusion

The role of centrifuge tubes in modern-day science cannot be ignored. From sample preparation and separation to storage and preservation, they are vital in laboratories to achieve optimal results in experiments. Centrifuge tubes are readily available at a laboratory plasticware or glassware supplier.