Ultracentrifugation
Ultracentrifugation (UC) is an analytical method used to separate, isolate and purify biological, colloidal and synthetic particles suspended in a liquid medium. Ultracentrifugation is conducted through a high speed centrifugal process, where a sample is placed in a rotator and spun at varying speeds to produce forces of acceleration. Forces within the centrifuge cause the particles suspended in the liquid to split into distinct layers due to the differing sedimentation rates of the particles.
Ultracentrifugation is used in many applications, however, the most common application is particle size characterization. Particle size characterization is the measurement of the size, diameter, and distribution of particles within a sample by spinning it in a centrifuge and measuring the rate of sedimentation. It is used to measure particles such as proteins, DNA, lipoproteins, other bio-molecules, and lipids. Additionally, ultracentrifugation can be used for fractionation. Fractionation is the process of separating a mixture by using differing rates of filtration based on size. This process isolates different particles from the sample and offers insights into the different components contained in the mixture.
Ultracentrifugation can also be used for chemical reactions, drug discovery, and biochemical characterization. In chemical reactions, ultracentrifugation is mainly used for separations and is combined with a variety of different chromatographic techniques to improve separations. Ultracentrifugation is especially useful in drug discovery and development, since it can be used to examine the stability of drug molecules in aqueous solutions. Additionally, ultracentrifugation has been increasingly used to characterize the interaction between the drug molecules and their targets in the body. For biochemical characterization, ultracentrifugation is used to measure the size and shape of biomolecules, as well as to examine their structure-function relationships.
Ultracentrifugation is a very useful analytical technique for studying the properties of particles in a variety of applications. It is an important tool for scientists and is used in many areas of research including biochemistry, chemistry, and pharmacology. With the continued advancements in centrifuge technology, ultracentrifugation will continue to play a key role in providing valuable insights into the world of biological particles.
