Centrifugation

This chapter explores centrifugation, which is the mechanical process of separating mixtures by applying centrifugal forces. It is one of the most widely used techniques in biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, and in the biomedical sciences. The chapter begins by explaining the basics of centrifugation theory. Centrifugation is a separation technique conducted in an instrument called a centrifuge. A centrifuge holds a spinning rotor containing samples in tubes that are rotated around a central axis by a motor. This spinning of the rotor generates a centrifugal force that separates the components in the mixture on the bases of differences in size and/or density. The major centrifugation techniques used are differential and density gradient centrifugation. When using centrifuges, all appropriate safety considerations must be observed.