How does centrifugation (process of separating particles of different densities using centrifugal force) increase yield in medical procedures?

From the Guidelines

Centrifugation increases yield by efficiently separating and concentrating target materials from a mixture based on their density and size through the application of centrifugal force. This process allows for the removal of unwanted components and the enrichment of the desired product, making it a valuable tool in various applications, including DNA extraction and lipid vesicle purification 1. The effectiveness of centrifugation depends on several factors, including speed, duration, temperature, and the density difference between components being separated.

When considering the use of centrifugation to increase yield, it is essential to optimize the centrifugal force, as excessive forces can cause particle aggregation and damage to the target materials 1. For example, in the purification of lipid vesicles, a rotating speed of up to 10,000 rpm and a duration of 30-90 minutes at 4°C can be used to achieve effective separation 1.

In addition to the technical aspects of centrifugation, the choice of anticoagulant and centrifugation method can also impact the yield and quality of the target material. For instance, in the preparation of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), the use of trisodium citrate as an anticoagulant and a relatively low centrifugal force (170-200 g) for 10 minutes at room temperature can result in a relatively pure preparation and good yield of PRP 1.

Overall, the optimal centrifugation conditions will depend on the specific application and the properties of the target material, and careful consideration of these factors is necessary to maximize yield and minimize damage to the target materials. The most recent and highest quality study on this topic, published in 2023, provides guidance on the use of centrifugation in lipid vesicle purification and highlights the importance of optimizing centrifugal force and other technical parameters to achieve effective separation and high yield 1.

From the Research

Centrifugation and Yield Increase

• Centrifugation can increase yield by efficiently separating and concentrating the desired components, such as cells, proteins, or lipids, from a mixture or solution 2, 3.
• The use of centrifugation can help to reduce lipid levels in lipaemic samples, allowing for more accurate analysis and increasing the yield of usable samples 4.
• The characteristics of the centrifuge and the centrifugation protocol can significantly impact the yield and quality of the separated components, such as the architecture and cell content of a leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) clot and membrane 5.
• Optimizing centrifugation speed and protocol can help to maximize yield and minimize damage to the separated components, such as platelets, which can be affected by centrifugation speed 6.
• Increasing flow rates during centrifugation can offset lower capture efficiencies, resulting in net lower energy consumption and increased yield 3.

Factors Affecting Yield

• Centrifuge characteristics, such as vibration level and temperature, can impact the yield and quality of the separated components 5.
• Centrifugation protocol, including speed, time, and flow rate, can affect the yield and quality of the separated components 5, 3, 6.
• The type and properties of the components being separated, such as cell size and density, can impact the yield and quality of the separated components 2, 3.