Beckman Coulter Ultracentrifuges: Pioneering Excellence Since 1947
Beckman Coulter introduced the first commercial ultracentrifuge in 1947. Since then, their elite line of ultracentrifuges has attained incredible levels of speed and sophistication, without sacrificing usability. Analis together with Beckman Coulter are your long-term partners to warranty safety, performance and high quality services.
Different ultracentrifuge models enable a vast array of applications: choose between benchtop or floor models with optimal capacity and efficiency.
Compatible with extensive rotor and labware options, including multi-layered BioSafety* features for a safe and productive work environment.
Ensure maximum separation purity in the shortest possible time.
Your warranty on a long term:
Efficiency and quality of the devices.
Analis local advice and support.
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New: OptiMATE™ Gradient Maker
Automate your gradient preparation with OptiMATE™ and reduce run time by over 75%.
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The array of ultracentrifuges & power packed solutions for your separation needs

Floor ultracentrifuges: Optima XPN series
The Optima™ XPN is the premier ultracentrifuge. With networking capability and customizable security and tracking features to ensure chain of custody and compliance, the Optima XPN offers multi-layered BioSafety* features for a safe and productive work environment.
Equipped with the innovative eXpert simulation software
Available in 100k, 90k, and 80k RPM configurations
Compatible with extensive rotor and labware options
Backed by unparalleled service program options

Benchtop ultracentrifuges: Optima MAX-XP series
The Optima™ MAX-XP tabletop ultracentrifuge is a power-packed solution that delivers fast, efficient separations from samples as small as 175 μL up to 32.4 ml and at speeds of up to 150,000 RPM and more than 1,000,000 x g.
Advanced software with rigorous electronic record keeping including password-controlled access and complete audit trail documentation
Convenient touch-screen controls and easy-to-view display for gauging real-time speed, time and temperature
Four unique tube designs for unparalleled productivity across a wide range of applications
Features a proprietary multi-level approach to biosafety offering reliable protection

Analytical ultracentrifuges: Optima AUC series
Macromolecule characterization in solution
Enables characterization of samples in their native state
A specialized ultracentrifuge with unique detection capabilities
Monitors a wide variety of particles
No standards required: relies on first principles of thermodynamics
Beckman Total System Design
In the Beckman total system design, ultracentrifuges are backed by matching exclusive rotors, labware & accessories. Consult the catalogue for a complete overview of compatible rotors. Every rotor comes with a table listing rotor info & compatible tubes with
Maximum allowed speed per tube type
Required adapters & caps
Centrifugation force and efficiency (k-factor)
Other resources and literature

Viral Vector ultracentrifugation workflow
High-speed centrifugation and ultracentrifugation effectively separate viral particles from cells and cellular debris, while analytical ultracentrifugation can identify and separate viral particles based on capsid density, a measure of viral cargo. This allows empty viruses and viruses which have only partially incorporated the desired genetic material to be removed prior to transduction. The ability to consistently generate abundant high-quality virus is critical for eliminating batch-to-batch variability in terms of quality and efficiency when it comes to production of the end-product.

Ultracentrifugation for Exosome isolation and EV's
Whether from liquid biopsies or conditioned media, no other step is as critical to the success of your exosome research as your choice of isolation technique. Differential ultracentrifugation has been called the “gold standard”1 method, not only because it was the first method demonstrated to reliably isolate a pure fraction of exosomes, but also because exosomes produced by differential ultracentrifugation are largely intact and thought to contain a full complement of cargo molecules. Learn why density gradient ultracentrifugation is considered the gold standard for isolating and purifying exosomes or extracellular vesicles from body fluids.

Intellifuge. More Than Just A Rotor Calculator
Find compatible products or discover new ones
Simplify protocol transfer
Compare to make an informed decision List of possible combinations of rotors, tubes and centrifuges. Select one or more choices from the drop-down menu, then choose 'Configuration options' to see the possible combinations or choose 'Calculate' to find out g-force, k-factor and rpm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Ultracentrifuges and Gradient Materials
What is ultracentrifugation and how does it work?
Ultracentrifugation is a powerful technique that employs high-speed centrifugal force to separate particles based on their size, shape, and density. This method is crucial in various scientific fields, including molecular biology, biochemistry, and nanotechnology, for isolating specific components from complex mixtures.
In Belgium and Luxembourg, ultracentrifugation is widely used in laboratories for applications such as viral purification, organelle isolation, and protein separation. By spinning samples at extremely high speeds, ultracentrifuges create a strong centrifugal force that causes particles to sediment at different rates, allowing for precise separation and analysis.
Whether you are working in a research lab or a clinical setting, understanding and utilizing ultracentrifugation can significantly enhance your experimental outcomes. Explore our range of ultracentrifugation products and solutions tailored for laboratories in Belgium and Luxembourg to achieve optimal results in your scientific endeavors.
What Does a Complete Ultracentrifuge System Include?
A complete ultracentrifuge system includes several key components:
- Tubes: Specialized tubes designed to withstand high centrifugal forces.
- Rotors: Various types of rotors (fixed-angle, swinging-bucket) to accommodate different sample types and volumes.
- Chamber: The centrifuge chamber where the samples are placed.
- Speed and Temperature Control: Accurate and efficient speed control, often reaching up to 150,000 RPM, and precise temperature regulation to ensure optimal conditions for sensitive samples.
- Vacuum System: Reduces air friction and heat generation, allowing for higher speeds and better separation.
- Safety and Biosafety Barriers: Multi-layered safety features, including dynamic rotor inertia checks, rotor overspeed discs, and biosafety barriers to protect users and maintain a secure work environment.
Having a well-designed and expertly produced ultracentrifuge system is essential for both safety and efficiency. Beckman Coulter, a leader in ultracentrifugation technology, offers advanced systems like the Optima XPN, which includes networking capabilities, customizable security features, and remote monitoring. These features ensure that your lab operates smoothly and safely, providing reliable results every time.
What are density gradient reagents and why are they important?
Density gradient centrifugation is a technique used in biochemistry, molecular biology, and other fields to separate particles or molecules based on their buoyant density or sedimentation coefficient in a gradient of density-forming material.
Density gradient reagents, such as cesium chloride and iodixanol, are used to create a gradient in which particles can be separated based on their buoyant density. These reagents are crucial for applications like virus purification, isolation of subcellular structures, and fractionation of cells.

How do I choose the right density gradient reagent for my application?
The choice of reagent depends on the specific requirements of your application. For example, iodixanol is often used for viral separations due to its high resolution and low toxicity, while cesium chloride is preferred for nucleic acid separations.
OptiMATE Cesium Chloride & Iodixanol
A wide range of sample types can be purified using OptiMATE reagents, which are very versatile and can be applied to both step and linear (continuous) gradients. An ionic salt with a high hygroscopicity that produces low-viscosity solutions is cesium chloride. It is frequently employed in the purification of nucleic acids and viruses. Iodixanol, on the other hand, is a highly viscous, non-ionic compound that is frequently kinder to particles with lipid membranes, including cells and extracellular vesicles.

Liquid solutions designed for density gradient centrifugation, ideal for isolating various cell types, subcellular particles (such as plasmid DNA) and viruses. Our high-quality reagents are sterile and have low endotoxin levels (≤ 1 EU/mL) to support current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) workflows.
What are the different types of density gradients used in ultracentrifugation?
There are three main types of density gradients:
|
Types |
Rate Zonal |
Isopycnic |
Equilibrium Zonal |
|
Separation basis |
Materials separate in a pre-formed density gradient according to their S-values (mass and size). |
In a continuous, self-forming density gradient, materials separate according to buoyant density. |
Materials separate in a pre-formed density gradient according to buoyant density. |
|
Typical gradient |
Continuous gradient (e.g., linear sucrose gradients) |
Continuous gradient (e.g., CsCl gradients) |
The sample is separated into discrete segments of density (or steps) |
|
Common Gradient material(s) |
Iodixanol, Sucrose |
CsCl, Iodixanol |
Iodixanol (more common for viral separations), sucrose |
|
Advantage |
High resolution rate-based separation of materials with similar S-values |
Highest resolution separation by density |
One-step purification and concentration by density |
| Illustration of gradient before and after ultracentrifugation | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
What are the common applications of density gradient ultracentrifugation?
Density gradient ultracentrifugation is used for:
Separation of biomolecules
|
DNA, RNA, proteins, etc. |
Virus purification
|
Isolating different capsid types (virus and viral vector like AAV's), including, empty, partially loaded, full, and overloaded.
|
Isolation of subcellular structures |
Nuclei, mitochondria, lysosomes, membranes, LNP's, EV's. |
Fractionation of cells
|
Studying distinct cell populations within heterogeneous samples. |
How should I store and handle density gradient reagents like OptiMATE Cesium Chloride and Iodixanol?
Density gradient reagents should be stored at room temperature (20°C) and have a shelf life of 18 months from the date of manufacture. They should be disposed of at an approved hazardous waste disposal plant according to your organization’s waste disposal plan.
Our products
This ultracentrifuge rotor is for use in instruments classified as HRS.
Major applications covered are differential centrifugation of subcellular particles.
Assembly Includes:
3 each 011757 O-rings for the rotor Handle,
3 each 870612 O-rings for the rotor lid,
and 2 each 335585 Overspeed Disks.
Thickwall Polypropylene Tubes
For use in Ultracentrifuge Rotors:
- TLA-120.2 (Part Numbers 362046, 357656)
- MLA-150 (Part Numbers 393489, 393490)
OptiMATE Iodixanol Solution (BEC-D01358) from Beckman Coulter is the ideal choice for laboratory scientists in Belgium and Luxembourg performing ultracentrifugation. This high-purity iodixanol solution is specifically designed for density gradient centrifugation, making it perfect for viral, organelle, extracellular vesicle (EV), and protein separations. With an 80% concentration, it allows for increased sample volume per tube and reduces bottle-related waste, enhancing your lab’s efficiency.
Key Features:
- High Purity: Ensures reliable and reproducible results.
- Optimal Concentration: 80% w/v for effective separations.
- Versatile Applications: Suitable for viral, organelle, EV, and protein separations.
- Reduced Waste: Minimize bottle-related waste with concentrated solution.
- Sterile and Safe: Autoclaved for sterility, with low endotoxin levels.
OptiMATE Cesium Chloride Solution (BEC-D01357) from Beckman Coulter is the perfect solution for laboratory scientists in Belgium and Luxembourg performing ultracentrifugation. This highly concentrated, premixed cesium chloride solution offers significant time savings in reagent preparation. It is ideal for continuous gradients requiring the highest quality purification, commonly used in viral, plasmid, or nucleic acid purification.
Key Features:
- High Concentration: 60% w/w for effective separations.
- Versatile Applications: Suitable for viral, plasmid, and nucleic acid purification.
- Time-Saving: Premixed solution reduces preparation time.
- Sterile and Safe: Autoclaved for sterility, with low endotoxin levels.
- Reliable Results: Ensures high-quality purification for your lab’s needs.
This vacuum grease is for o-ring lubrification. Lubrification will protect the o-ring and maintain efficiency of the closure systems.
Silicon vacuum grease is used on the O-rings of centrifuges and ultracentrifuges to:
- Prevent Sample Spillage and contamination:
The grease helps maintain a tight seal, preventing any sample from leaking out and ensuring no contaminants enter the system. - Maintain Vacuum:
In devices like ultracentrifuges that operate under vacuum, the grease helps maintain the vacuum conditions by preventing air leaks into the centrifuge vessel. This is crucial for the proper functioning of these machines.
946-mL bottles of Solution 555™ Rotor Cleaning Concentrate, 1 qty; minimum order 2 bottles.
Under normal use, as part of the day-to-day care and maintenance program of the centrifuge rotors, wash the rotor frequently to prevent the build-up of residues.
Beckman Solution 555 (339555) is a mild and efficient detergent that won’t damage the rotors.
56gr tube Spinkote Lubricant for metal threads in Beckman Coulter rotors.
The lubricant is part of the recommended maintenance procedures for certain types of equipment. Following these procedures can help ensure the equipment operates correctly and has a long service life.
This can help reduce friction, prevent corrosion, and extend the life of the threads.
This round bottom tube is designed for use in Beckman Coulter instruments and rotors. Ultra-Clear tubes are transparent, allowing for easy location of visibly banded or pelleted samples.
Compatible Ultracentrifuge Rotors
• Fixed Angle: Type 70 Ti, Type 50.2 Ti
• Swinging Bucket: SW 32 Ti, SW 28
Compatible High Performance Rotor
• Swinging Bucket: JS-24.38
Certified Free*
• Exhibits no detectable DNA, DNase, RNase, PCR inhibitors, or endotoxins
• Prevents sample degradation and contamination
• Improve QC data quality
Sterile
• Sterilized via ethylene oxide
• Pre-sterilized ready-to-use for improved workflow efficiency
• Eliminate need for developing sterilization protocol
• Packaged in workflow based quantities
• Sterilized and packaged compliant with ISO 11135:2014, and ISO 11607:2006
Recommended Applications
• Microbiology
• Gene therapy
• Biotherapeutics
• Molecular biology
• Cell culture
• Plant and animal derived products
• Algae
Certified Free and Beckman standard tubes are also available.
*Based on sample results below detectable limits.
Certificates available here.
This round bottom tube is designed for use in Beckman Coulter instruments and rotors. Quick-Seal tubes provides a secondary BioSafe containment. It also allows you to seal with a simple, hand-held sealing tool without plugs or O-rings. Quick-Seal tube spacer required.
Compatible Ultracentrifuge Rotors
• Ultracentrifuge: Type 45 Ti
Compatible High Performance Rotor
• High performance: JA-18
Certified Free*
• Exhibits no detectable DNA, DNase, RNase, PCR inhibitors, or endotoxins
• Prevents sample degradation and contamination
• Improve QC data quality
Sterile
• Sterilized via ethylene oxide
• Pre-sterilized ready-to-use for improved workflow efficiency
• Eliminate need for developing sterilization protocol
• Packaged in workflow based quantities
• Sterilized and packaged compliant with ISO 11135:2014, and ISO 11607:2006
Recommended Applications
• Microbiology
• Gene therapy
• Biotherapeutics
• Molecular biology
• Cell culture
• Plant and animal derived products
• Algae
Certified Free and Beckman standard tubes also available.
*Based on sample results below detectable limits.
Certificates available here.






