Principles of Centrifugation

At its core, centrifugation is separation through sedimentation. The denser particles sink to the bottom of the container, while the more lightweight particles remain suspended.

Centrifugation will displace particles that are even slightly different in density, and is influenced by these four factors:

The density of the samples and solution

The temperature and viscosity

The distance that the particles are displaced

The speed of rotation

Relative centrifugal force (RCF), or G-force, is the amount of acceleration that is applied to the sample. When RCF exceeds the buoyant and frictional forces in the sample, the particles will move away from the axis of rotation and result in sedimentation.