Device built-in

Beckman Allegra X-14 Centrifuge: An Efficient and Flexible Benchtop Centrifugation Solution

The Beckman Allegra X-14 Centrifuge is a high-performance, versatile benchtop centrifuge manufactured by Beckman Coulter of the USA. Renowned for its compact design, powerful centrifugation capabilities, excellent sample versatility, and user-friendliness, it serves as a workhorse instrument for routine separation tasks in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, clinical research, and other laboratories. With a maximum relative centrifugal force (RCF) of 14,600 x g, it efficiently handles sample volumes ranging from microliters to liters.

I. Core Features and Advantages

1. Excellent Sample Versatility and Flexibility

   The core advantage of the Allegra X-14 lies in its extensive adaptability. By utilizing different rotors and adapters, it can accommodate various sample containers, including:

   • Microplates: Such as 96-well and 384-well plates, ideal for high-throughput screening.

   • PCR Tubes/Strips: For molecular biology applications.

   • Centrifuge Tubes: Ranging from 0.2 mL microcentrifuge tubes to 250 mL large-capacity bottles.

   • Blood Bags and Cell Culture Flasks.

     This "one-machine, multiple-uses" feature significantly improves equipment utilization, saving laboratory space and costs.

2. Powerful Performance and Rapid Processing Capability

   With a maximum relative centrifugal force of 14,600 x g and a top speed of 15,000 rpm, the Allegra X-14 can rapidly pellet bacteria, cells, large nucleic acids, proteins, and other substances. Its fast acceleration and deceleration times make it particularly suitable for experimental steps requiring quick spins, such as collecting liquid from tube walls or rapid pelleting.

3. Advanced Drive Technology and Temperature Control System

   The instrument uses a brushless induction motor that operates smoothly, quietly, has a long lifespan, and requires no maintenance. The optional Refrigerated model (Allegra X-14R) is ideal for temperature-sensitive samples. It utilizes an advanced vortex-type compressor cooling system that can maintain samples at set temperatures (often as low as -10°C) to preserve sample integrity and ensure reliable separation results.

4. Intuitive User Interface and Safety Features

   The control panel is designed to be simple and intuitive, featuring a numeric keypad and quick-program keys, allowing users to easily set parameters like speed/RCF, time, and temperature. The instrument includes multiple safety features, such as a lid lock, imbalance detection, and over-speed and over-temperature protection, ensuring safe operation.

II. Key Components and Technical Specifications (Using Your Mentioned Configuration as an Example)

The configuration you mentioned, "SX4750 Rotor, 4 buckets and 4x plate holder," is a typical setup for high-throughput applications.

• Main Unit (Allegra X-14 / X-14R):

  • Max Speed: 15,000 rpm

  • Max RCF: 14,600 x g

  • Temperature Range (X-14R): -10°C to +40°C

• Rotor SX4750:

  • Type: Swinging-Bucket Rotor

  • Max Speed: 4,750 rpm

  • Max RCF: 5,090 x g

  • Capacity: 4 x 100 mL (when using 250 mL bottles)

• Buckets (4) and Microplate Holders (4):

  • This configuration allows the simultaneous centrifugation of four standard microplates (e.g., 96-well plates), making it highly suitable for high-throughput applications like ELISA assays or cell culture supernatant collection. Simply swapping the inserts within the buckets allows flexible switching between different container types.

III. Main Application Areas

The Allegra X-14 has an extremely wide range of applications, covering almost all routine centrifugation needs in life science laboratories:

• Molecular Biology: Plasmid DNA preparation, PCR product recovery, nucleic acid precipitation.

• Cell Biology: Harvesting cell cultures, subcellular fractionation.

• Protein Chemistry: Protein precipitation, impurity removal.

• Clinical Testing: Separation of serum/plasma from blood samples.

• High-Throughput Screening: Used with microplate holders for drug screening and biochemical analysis.

IV. Usage Considerations and Summary

When using the Allegra X-14, please note:

1. Precise Balancing: Tubes must be symmetrically balanced before centrifugation, with weight differences kept within the allowable limit (typically < 0.1 g).

2. Correct Rotor and Parameter Selection: Strictly adhere to the rotor's maximum speed limits and select the appropriate RCF and time based on the experimental purpose.

3. Regular Maintenance: Clean the chamber regularly and inspect rotors for signs of corrosion or damage.

In summary, the Beckman Allegra X-14 Centrifuge is a well-designed, reliable, and fully-featured benchtop centrifuge. It successfully combines powerful centrifugation, flexible sample handling, and user-friendly design, providing an efficient and safe sample separation solution for various laboratories, making it a classic and durable model.