Lidstrom:Sorvall Centrifuge
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Background
We have a Sorvoll RC-5B centrifuge that is useful for spinning large volumes in 0.5L bottles or medium-sized (a few mL) volumes very quickly
Rotors
SS-34
- Holds 8*50 mL, spins at 20,000 RPM/36,900 RCF
- BUT Katya (circa 2010) recommends using it at <= 18,000 RPM
- Tubes:
- Can't be autoclaved.
- Actually, Amanda might have autoclaved them before.
- Can't write on body; can only write on cap. Sandy says stickers don't stick.
- Can't be autoclaved.
GS-3
- GS-3.
- BUT Katya (circa 2010) recommends using it at <= 7,500
- For bigger bottles. (0.5L)
- Holds eppendorf (1.5mL) tubes
- Spins at 9,000 RPM/13,700 RCF
- Requires 3 pieces for installation:
- (1) the base that you put the filled bottles in
- (2) a matching black metal lid
- (3) a metal rod with threads at one end and a knob on the other.
- Place the based down, screw the lid on **counter clockwise** and then use the pin to secure it.
Explanation of RCF
- For reference, the benchtop 50mL centrifuges (e.g. ST-15R with a TX-400 swinging bucket rotor) we have spin at 4696 RCF.
- There are stickers with maximum speeds. These were set by Katya, a Lidstrom Lab manager, circa 2011. It is unknown what the motivation was for keeping the rotors below maximum speed.
Instructions
- pre-chill the rotor you plan to use (overnight in fridge)
- turn on centrifuge
Sample protocols
Example protocol for SIP3-4:
Janet's SIP3-4 centrifugation:
- Chill to 4oC with SS-34 rotor inside
- Fill correct tubes
- Spin for ___ min at ___ RCF at ___oC
Example protocol for AM1:
Ask Nate/Ceci
Centrifugation Math & Basics
- Sigma summary:
- sedimentation rate is proportional to RFC, and proportional to the square of the particle diameter (cell diameter).