Centrifugation Course

Lesson 1 • Sedimentation Principles

Explains Stokes' law, sedimentation coefficients, and particle behaviour in a centrifugal field. Links particle size, density, and viscosity to separation efficiency.

Lesson 2 • Physics of Centrifugal Force

Covers centrifugal and centripetal force, angular velocity, and relative centrifugal force (RCF). Establishes the physical laws governing all centrifuge operation.

Lesson 3 • Buoyancy and Density Relationships

Introduces buoyant density, effective particle density, and flotation. Explains how density differences between particles and medium drive separation.

Lesson 1 • Temperature and Vacuum Systems

Describes refrigeration units, temperature sensors, and vacuum chambers in ultracentrifuges. Explains how thermal control preserves biological and chemical samples.

Lesson 2 • Rotor Design and Selection

Covers fixed-angle, swinging-bucket, vertical, and near-vertical rotors. Students learn how rotor geometry affects sedimentation path and run time.

Lesson 3 • Tubes, Bottles, and Adapters

Reviews centrifuge tube materials, volume ranges, and closure types. Connects vessel selection to chemical compatibility and maximum RCF tolerance.

Lesson 4 • Drive Systems and Speed Control

Explains motor types, brushless drives, and electronic speed regulation. Demonstrates how acceleration and deceleration profiles affect sample integrity.

Lesson 1 • Regulatory Compliance Frameworks

Surveys occupational health, laboratory safety, and equipment certification standards applicable to centrifuges. Prepares students to audit compliance in their facilities.

Lesson 2 • Biosafety and Containment Levels

Applies biosafety level requirements to centrifuge use with infectious agents. Covers sealed rotors, biosafety cabinets, and decontamination procedures.

Lesson 3 • Personal Protective Equipment

Specifies PPE selection for different centrifuge scenarios including infectious and hazardous materials. Links PPE choice to hazard level and regulatory guidance.

Lesson 4 • Emergency Response Procedures

Defines step-by-step responses to rotor failure, tube breakage, and hazardous spills inside the centrifuge. Reduces harm through practised, systematic action.

Lesson 1 • Loading and Unloading Procedures

Details safe rotor loading sequences, lid torque, and post-run unloading to preserve pellets and gradients. Procedural discipline prevents sample loss and contamination.

Lesson 2 • Balancing Rotors Accurately

Teaches gravimetric and volumetric balancing methods for all rotor types. Imbalance is the leading cause of rotor stress and instrument damage.

Lesson 3 • Tube Filling and Volume Control

Specifies fill volumes for different tube and rotor types to prevent collapse or overflow. Correct filling is essential for both safety and separation quality.

Lesson 4 • Buffer and Medium Selection

Explains how buffer composition, pH, ionic strength, and osmolarity affect particle integrity. Guides students in choosing media that preserve sample function.

Lesson 1 • Subcellular Fractionation Workflows

Presents standard protocols for isolating nuclei, mitochondria, microsomes, and cytosol. Students map each fraction to its biological origin and expected marker.

Lesson 2 • Principles of Differential Pelleting

Explains sequential sedimentation logic, pellet composition, and supernatant carry-over. Establishes the conceptual basis for all differential fractionation workflows.

Lesson 3 • Optimising Speed and Time Parameters

Guides parameter selection using sedimentation coefficients and k-factor calculations. Optimisation reduces run time while maintaining fraction purity.

Lesson 1 • Rate-Zonal Centrifugation

Applies time-dependent sedimentation to separate particles by size within a stabilising gradient. Students calculate run conditions to position bands at desired locations.

Lesson 2 • Gradient Formation Techniques

Covers step, linear, and continuous gradient preparation methods including gradient makers. Gradient shape directly controls resolution and separation time.

Lesson 3 • Gradient Fractionation and Analysis

Describes upward displacement, tube puncture, and fraction collector methods for gradient harvesting. Fraction analysis confirms band identity and purity.

Lesson 4 • Isopycnic Centrifugation

Uses equilibrium banding at buoyant density to separate particles regardless of size. Covers CsCl equilibrium gradients for DNA and RNA isolation.

Lesson 1 • Lipoprotein and Membrane Fractionation

Uses sequential ultracentrifugation and KBr density adjustment to isolate lipoprotein classes. Membrane fraction isolation supports proteomics and lipid analysis.

Lesson 2 • Ultracentrifuge Operation Essentials

Covers vacuum system startup, rotor installation, and run parameter programming for ultracentrifuges. Correct operation prevents catastrophic rotor failure at extreme speeds.

Lesson 3 • Isolation of Exosomes and Vesicles

Presents differential ultracentrifugation and cushion protocols for extracellular vesicle isolation. Students achieve reproducible exosome pellets from biological fluids.

Lesson 4 • Virus and Viral Vector Purification

Applies iodixanol step gradients and CsCl banding to purify viral particles for research and gene therapy. Titer and purity requirements drive protocol design.

Lesson 1 • Rotor Care and Inspection

Covers rotor cleaning, corrosion detection, stress crack identification, and retirement criteria. Rotor integrity is the single most critical safety factor in centrifugation.

Lesson 2 • Preventive Maintenance Schedules

Defines daily, weekly, monthly, and annual maintenance tasks for rotors, chambers, and drive systems. Scheduled maintenance extends instrument life and prevents unplanned downtime.

Lesson 3 • Calibration and Performance Verification

Describes speed, temperature, and timer calibration procedures using traceable standards. Verified performance ensures data reproducibility and regulatory compliance.

Lesson 4 • Quality Assurance and Documentation

Establishes logbook practices, deviation reporting, and instrument qualification protocols. Robust documentation supports audits, reproducibility, and continuous improvement.