Microcentrifuge Tubes are used in molecular biology applications to store and process samples, reagents, and DNA extracts. These clear 1.5 mL tubes fit all standard rotors and are autoclavable.
Some tubes have caps, while others have a skirt that helps them stand up without a rack. Look for these attributes when buying.
Laboratory professionals, whether working in chemistry or molecular biology, need to store and transport samples of small amounts of liquid. While many different tube types are available for this purpose, one type that’s popular with chemists and biologists is the microcentrifuge tube. These small cylindrical tubes are used in centrifuges to spin samples of liquid and separate them into varying layers.
The capacity of these tubes can vary, but the most common are 1.5 mL tubes. Laboratory technicians commonly use these because they are the perfect size for storing, mixing, and transporting molecular biology samples and extracts. They also fit well into most centrifuge racks and cryo boxes.
While most labs use plastic microcentrifuge tubes, glass options are also available for more sensitive applications. Both kinds of tubes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, making it easy to find the right product for your specific needs.
When buying Microcentrifuge Tubes, you should look for a manufacturer that offers a high-quality, durable product. The quality of these tubes is important because it determines how long they will last and how much centrifugal force (RCF) they can withstand. In addition, you should look for a product that is RNase/DNase/DNA free and pyrogen free to ensure your samples are safe.
Many of these tubes are made from polypropylene, which is a durable and sterile material. They are also autoclavable, making them ideal for use in molecular biology and other labs that work with biological samples. In addition, these tubes are designed to reduce protein and nucleic acid binding, which can improve sample recovery.
Microcentrifuge Tubes also come with a wide range of cap styles and sizes. While some may only have a snap cap, others feature a screw lid that provides a tight seal and prevents sample evaporation during storage. Some of these caps are also compatible with a vacuum pump, which can further enhance the protection of your samples.
Other features that can be found on some tubes are color-coded graduations, a wide lid rim for convenient handling, and a sturdier design that resists impact damage. Finally, there are some microcentrifuge tubes that are treated with silicone or have a chemically inert surface to protect the inside of the tube from contamination.
Material
Microcentrifuge tubes are made of plastic, usually polypropylene. They are used in labs to store and centrifuge samples. They have a wide range of applications, including soil testing and assessing toxins in water samples. They can also be used for genetic experiments and DNA extraction. The plastic material is resistant to most chemical reagents and can be autoclaved for repeated use.
Depending on the purpose of your lab, different plastics may be used for your microcentrifuge tubes. You can choose from polypropylene, borosilicate glass or polyethylene. Plastics are often chosen because of their versatility and low cost. Glass is more expensive and can be brittle, so it’s best to avoid using it for sample storage unless it’s necessary.
The plastics used in a microcentrifuge tube are also influenced by the type of centrifuge machine being used in the lab. The size of the rotor and the RPM of the centrifuge determine how much force is applied to each individual sample. Different types of samples require different amounts of force to separate them. A rotor with a larger radius will apply more force than a smaller rotor.
In addition to the type of centrifuge used, the materials in a microcentrifuge tube can also be affected by whether it is sterile or not. Sterile plastic microcentrifuge tubes are sterilized using g-radiation, which kills foreign organisms and mutates DNA. However, it doesn’t remove all nucleic acids and proteins. While some manufacturers offer sterile microcentrifuge tubes that are nuclease free, it’s important to confirm that the product you buy is sterile and nuclease free.
Globe Scientific offers a variety of disposable plastic microcentrifuge tubes in sizes from 0.5mL to 2mL. These are made of crystal clear medical PP and are highly transparent with a tight seal that prevents spillage during handling. The tubes are autoclavable and certified pyrogen and RNase free. They are also a great choice for storing light-sensitive reagents that can be exposed to UV light. These tubes come with a clear screw cap that protects the sample from evaporation and can be labelled with a permanent marker.
Cap
The cap of a microcentrifuge tube is an important factor to consider. It is important that the lid is able to be opened and closed easily and safely. This will improve your overall experience in the lab and prevent accidental openings of your samples during centrifugation or while handling. It also helps to ensure that your sample remains sterile.
The rim of the cap should be wide enough to accommodate a finger or fingernail for gripping. It should also be rounded to prevent pinching and allow easy opening. Some caps have a special molded in elastomeric seal to resist leaks and help keep your sample securely sealed. The cap should also have a labeling area for product marking or identification and be able to withstand high centrifugal forces.
There are many types of caps available for microcentrifuge tubes, including snap cap, screw cap, and tethered screw cap. Each type of cap has its own unique benefits. For example, a snap cap is ideal for one-time use applications such as aliquoting a sample for incubation. A screw cap is durable and is good for storing your samples. It also has a hinge, which reduces the chance of the cap accidentally opening during centrifugation or vortexing.
1.5 mL microcentrifuge tubes are the most popular capacity for molecular biology samples and work well with most centrifuges, tube racks, and cryoboxes. Many manufacturers offer tubes that have a little extra space above the final 1.5 mL graduation mark, but this varies from brand to brand.
Microcentrifuge tubes are typically made of robust virgin polypropylene and are certified RNase, DNase, and DNA free. They are ideally suited for the storage, processing, and mixing of small volume samples and reagents, such as aliquots, extracts, purified DNA, and protein samples. The tubes can be sterilized by gamma, ethylene oxide, or steam. Some companies also provide Certificates of Analysis on request.
Racks
Whether in the lab or freezer, laboratory centrifuge tubes need to be securely and reliably stored. Labconco offers a variety of quality 1.5 ml microcentrifuge tube racks made from sturdy and highly chemical-resistant borosilicate glass or polypropylene. These microcentrifuge tube storage systems are suitable for a number of different lab applications, including blood banking, DNA testing and more. All are sterile and autoclavable.
A centrifuge is a piece of laboratory equipment that spins liquid samples at high speeds to separate the material into groups based on density and size. Typically, larger centrifuges are used for samples that contain solid particles such as blood, while the smaller microcentrifuge tubes are used in molecular biology and other laboratories to separate small volumes of liquid.
Laboratory centrifuges spin a sample to force the particles inside to separate from each other, and then the centrifugal acceleration creates the gravitational pull that separates the heavier particles from the lighter ones. The separating process is accelerated when the rotor turns at a faster rate, and centrifugation can even separate DNA from other materials.
Plastic microcentrifuge tubes are also more durable than their glass counterparts and are able to resist most chemicals, making them suitable for use with a range of organic solvents. However, they may have a slightly higher risk of contamination when handled with chemical solutions or harsh detergents, so it is best to wash them in a sink full of distilled water after each use. Plastic centrifuge tips are less expensive than glass and can be cleaned in a similar way to other lab glassware.
In addition to being able to hold a large volume of liquid, these 1.5 ml microcentrifuge tubes have a clear, flat top that is easy to open and close. This cap helps ensure sample integrity by preventing leakage and promoting consistent, precise measurements. It also helps reduce the chance of accidental opening of the lid due to induced pressure during autoclaving or centrifugation.
Microcentrifuge tubes are commonly used in soil testing for toxins, and are also essential in medical labs to separate different elements. They can be re-used after centrifugation, but it is important to thoroughly wash them and sterilize the caps between each use. When cleaning and sterilizing the tubes, it is recommended that they are done in a class I or class II biosafety cabinet to avoid any contamination.