[Chemistry Class Notes] on Applications of Centrifugation Pdf for Exam

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

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 separ
ate 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

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