When preparing to run a PCR it is advisable to briefly spin down the contents of each tube or well so that the master mix is well concentrated and no residue or droplets remain on the walls of the tube/well.
Just a quick spin at no more than 700xg is needed to achieve the desired results.
When the PCR reaction will be done in individual tubes or PCR strip tubes, there are hundreds of small benchtop mini-centrifuges that can be used for this purpose.
What options are there for spinning down PCR plates?
Historically, laboratories would simply use one of their higher-powered centrifuges equipped with a microplate rotor for this purpose.
This is the laboratory equivalent to using an expensive Cutco® knife to butter a piece of toast.
The additional wear and tear is not easy to justify and can place additional strain on an already tight research budget.
A better alternative is to use a specially designed mini-centrifuge that is built to accommodate these plates. Also known as a plate-spinner, Stellar Scientific offers two distinctly different plate-spinner options.
The Labnet MPS 1000 Mini PCR Plate Spinner was the first to market and is easily recognizable.
The MPS 1000 is able to accommodate two PCR plates at a time and, with an available adapter, can also work with half-plates (48 wells), strip tubes and individual tubes.
This video demonstrates how it works:
Within the past four years or so Benchmark Scientific released their Plate Fuge as an alternative. While less compact than the Labnet MPS 1000, the Plate Fuge has some unique features of its own that are worth noting.
Here is a short video that shows the Plate Fuge in action:
We receive more "how do these compare" questions about these two micro plate centrifuges than any other item we sell, so here is a quick list of FAQ's we field on a nearly weekly basis.
Is there any preparation involved?
PCR plates are inserted vertically in the Labnet MPS 1000 so they must be sealed before use.
The Benchmark Plate Fuge has a patent-pending rotor design that modifies the rotor-pitch as the speed increases. No sealing is needed. The plates are simply inserted at a forty-five degree angle and the lid closed to engage the motor.
Can I use this plate spinner with PCR tubes and strip tubes?
Yes, both the MPS 1000 and the Plate Fuge accommodate strip tubes and PCR tubes with an optional adapter. Sometimes there are manufacturer promotions that include these adapters for free.
Can I use this plate spinner with deep well plates?
Only the Benchmark Plate Fuge is capable of spinning deep well plates. A special adapter must be purchased for this purpose.
How long is the warranty?
Both manufacturers offer a two-year warranty on their products.
Whether you are looking for a universal centrifuge, a clinical centrifuge or just a basic centrifuge to make your lab run smoother and more efficient, Stellar Scientific has a solution for you.