Beckman Coulter Ultracentrifuges: A Reference Since 1947
Beckman Coulter introduced the first commercial ultracentrifuge in 1947. Since then, its ultracentrifuge line has reached high levels of speed and sophistication while staying easy to use. Analis and Beckman Coulter are your long-term partners for safety, performance and high-quality service.
Different models cover a wide range of applications: choose benchtop or floor models with the right capacity and efficiency.
Compatible with extensive rotor and labware options, including multi-layered BioSafety* features for a safe, productive workspace.
Ensure maximum separation purity in the shortest possible time.
Your long-term assurance:
Efficiency and quality of the devices.
Analis local advice and support.
The advantages of our solutions for your business
New: OptiMATE™ Gradient Maker
Automate your gradient preparation with OptiMATE™ and reduce run time by over 75%.
Reliable, standardized and intuitive — ideal for advanced purification workflows.
Our ultracentrifuges and solutions for your separation needs
Floor ultracentrifuges: Optima XPN series
The Optima™ XPN is a top-tier ultracentrifuge. With networking and customizable security and tracking features for chain of custody and compliance, it offers multi-layered BioSafety* features for a safe, productive workspace.
Equipped with eXpert simulation software
Available in 100k, 90k and 80k RPM configurations
Compatible with extensive rotor and labware options
Backed by extensive service program options
Optima XPN-80 ultracentrifuge specifications
Benchtop ultracentrifuges: Optima MAX-XP series
The Optima™ MAX-XP tabletop ultracentrifuge delivers fast, efficient separations for samples from 175 µL up to 32.4 ml, at speeds up to 150,000 RPM and over 1,000,000 x g.
Advanced software with rigorous electronic record keeping: password-controlled access and complete audit trail documentation
Convenient touch-screen controls and an easy-to-read display for real-time speed, time and temperature
Four tube designs for high productivity across a wide range of applications
Uses a proprietary multi-level biosafety approach for reliable protection
Optima MAX-XP ultracentrifuge specifications
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
Lean more about AUC
Beckman Total System Design
In the Beckman total system design, ultracentrifuges are paired with matching rotors, labware and accessories. See the catalogue for a full overview of compatible rotors. Each rotor comes with a table listing rotor information and compatible tubes, with:
Maximum allowed speed per tube type
Required adapters and caps
Centrifugation force and efficiency (k-factor)
Other resources and literature
Viral Vector ultracentrifugation workflow
High-speed and ultracentrifugation effectively separate viral particles from cells and cellular debris, while analytical ultracentrifugation can identify and separate viral particles by capsid density — a measure of viral cargo. This allows empty viruses and those only partially loaded with the desired genetic material to be removed before transduction. Consistently producing abundant, high-quality virus is critical to eliminate batch-to-batch variability in the quality and efficiency of the end product.
Download viral vector workflow
Ultracentrifugation for exosome and EV isolation
Whether from liquid biopsies or conditioned media, no step matters more to exosome research than the isolation technique. Differential ultracentrifugation is regarded as the reference method: it was the first shown to reliably isolate a pure exosome fraction, and the exosomes it produces are largely intact and thought to carry a full complement of cargo molecules. Learn why density gradient ultracentrifugation is considered the reference for isolating and purifying exosomes or extracellular vesicles from body fluids.
Download exosome isolation video
Intellifuge: more than a rotor calculator
Find compatible products or discover new ones
Simplify protocol transfer
Compare to make an informed decision. See possible combinations of rotors, tubes and centrifuges. Select one or more items from the drop-down menu, then choose 'Configuration options' for possible combinations, or 'Calculate' for g-force, k-factor and rpm.
Learn moreFrequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Ultracentrifuges and Gradient Materials
What is ultracentrifugation and how does it work?
Ultracentrifugation uses high-speed centrifugal force to separate particles by size, shape and density. It is essential in fields such as molecular biology, biochemistry and nanotechnology for isolating specific components from complex mixtures.
In Belgium and Luxembourg, labs widely use ultracentrifugation for viral purification, organelle isolation and protein separation. Spinning samples at very high speeds creates a strong centrifugal force, so particles sediment at different rates for precise separation and analysis.
In a research lab or a clinical setting, using ultracentrifugation well can markedly improve your results. Explore our range of ultracentrifugation products and solutions for laboratories in Belgium and Luxembourg.
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 speed control, often up to 150,000 RPM, and precise temperature regulation for optimal conditions with sensitive samples.
- Vacuum System: Reduces air friction and heat generation, allowing higher speeds and better separation.
- Safety and Biosafety Barriers: Multi-layered features, including dynamic rotor inertia checks, rotor overspeed discs and biosafety barriers, to protect users and keep the workspace secure.
A well-designed ultracentrifuge system is essential for safety and efficiency. Beckman Coulter offers advanced systems such as the Optima XPN, with networking, customizable security features and remote monitoring — helping your lab run smoothly and safely with reliable results.
What are density gradient reagents and why are they important?
Density gradient centrifugation is used in biochemistry, molecular biology and other fields to separate particles or molecules by their buoyant density or sedimentation coefficient in a gradient of density-forming material.
Density gradient reagents, such as cesium chloride and iodixanol, create a gradient in which particles separate by their buoyant density. They are essential for virus purification, isolation of subcellular structures and cell fractionation.
How do I choose the right density gradient reagent for my application?
The right reagent depends on your application. Iodixanol is often used for viral separations for its high resolution and low toxicity, while cesium chloride is preferred for nucleic acid separations.
OptiMATE Cesium Chloride & Iodixanol
OptiMATE reagents are versatile and purify a wide range of sample types, in both step and linear (continuous) gradients. Cesium chloride is a highly hygroscopic ionic salt that forms low-viscosity solutions; it is often used to purify nucleic acids and viruses. Iodixanol is a highly viscous, non-ionic compound that is generally gentler on particles with lipid membranes, such as cells and extracellular vesicles.
Liquid solutions for density gradient centrifugation, ideal for isolating various cell types, subcellular particles (such as plasmid DNA) and viruses. The reagents are sterile with low endotoxin levels (≤ 1 EU/mL) to support current good manufacturing practice (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?
Store density gradient reagents at room temperature (20 °C); shelf life is 18 months from the manufacturing date. Dispose of them at an approved hazardous-waste facility, following 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.
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