Benchtop Ultracentrifuge

Appendix A - Specification

Essential Criteria

• oMaximum speed circa 150000 rpm
• oMaximum g force circa 1019000g
• oTemperature control 0-40 C
• oVariable program control with minimum of 10 acceleration/deceleration storable profiles
• oFixed angle rotors to accommodate the following tubes and speeds/g forces
• o3ml polycarbonate or polypropylene 100000rpm/540000g
• o0.2 ml polycarbonate 100000rpm/436000g
• o1.5 ml polycarbonate or polypropylene 55000rpm/186000g
• oService contract to cover unlimited certified parts, labour and travel expense for repairs, one annual preventative maintenance visit, software and engineering updates, annual basic operator training and remote technical support

Ultracentrifugation is a powerful technique for separation of biological molecules and chemical products. LJMU currently possesses a floor model ultracentrifuge which is useful for preparative procedures. A benchtop ultracentrifuge would enable powerful analytical approaches for projects in biology, chemistry, and pharmaceutical science. This will also increase capacity for projects requiring ultracentrifugation procedures.

Study of: mitochondrial membrane protein complexes; inter-organelle communication; protein aggregates in muscle; macrovesicles; exosomes; nanoparticles; separation of lipoproteins.