スウィングロータ
スウィングロータは沈降経路が長いため、密度勾配遠心の分離能がよい利点があります。
スウィングロータでは、バケットが停止時は垂直、遠心中は水平となります。固定角ロータでは、遠心沈降中の粒子の動きは、はじめは遠心方向に移動し、次にチューブ側面に沿ってチューブの底に集まるため、吸着性の強い粒子の場合は一部の粒子が側面に付着したままになってしまいます。このような場合にもスウィングロータを使用すれば、粒子が遠心力方向にダイレクトに沈降してゆくため、チューブ側面に付着する粒子を最小限にすることが可能です。
大量サンプルを低速で分離するのに理想的であり、サンプルを密度勾配遠心する場合に特に有用です。
固定角ロータとスウィングロータの使い分けについて、詳細はこちら
FAQ on Swinging-Bucket Rotors
Why use a swinging-bucket rotor for density gradient centrifugation?
Density gradient centrifugation requires samples to separate into distinct layers based on density. Because swinging-bucket rotors position tubes horizontally during operation, they help create uniform gradients and well-defined sample bands, making them a preferred choice for many gradient-based separation workflows.
What applications are swinging-bucket rotors commonly used for?
Swinging-bucket rotors are frequently used for density gradient centrifugation, blood processing, bioprocessing workflows, and when highly purified samples are required . They are often selected when maintaining sample integrity and achieving high separation quality are important.
How does a swinging-bucket rotor work?
In a swinging-bucket rotor, sample tubes begin in a vertical position and gradually move to a horizontal position during centrifugation. This orientation allows particles to travel evenly through the sample, making swinging-bucket rotors especially suitable for density gradient separations and applications that require distinct sample layers.
What is the difference between a swinging-bucket rotor and a fixed-angle rotor?
A swinging-bucket rotor holds samples horizontally during centrifugation, making it well suited for density gradient separations and applications that require well-defined sample layers. They can also be used for pelleting and result in the pellet forming at the very bottom of the tube. A fixed-angle rotor keeps tubes at a constant angle and is typically preferred for rapid pelleting applications. The best choice depends on the separation objective and sample type.
What is a swinging-bucket rotor?
A swinging-bucket rotor is a centrifuge rotor that allows sample buckets to pivot during centrifugation. As rotational speed increases, the buckets swing outward into a horizontal position, creating a consistent linear sedimentation path that supports efficient sample separation.
