Assembly and Operation of a Simple, Multipurpose Zonal Ultracentrifugation System Available to Purchase

A description is given for the correct assembly and operation of the variety of components of a zonal ultracentrifugation system, useful for several kinds of zonal particle separations. Simple, reproducible means are provided for the storing, volume measurement, and output control of the gradient, sample, and overlay solutions. These fluids do not come in contact with lubricated parts. The liquid flux along the lines is free from pressure pulses or local areas of turbulence. The various solutions are kept cold without installation of the whole setup in a temperature controlled environment. The system of connections is designed to be smooth and compact, with a minimum of dead spaces. The type and size of the necessary tubing connectors, stopcocks, etc. was chosen as to preserve lamellar flux of gradient solutions and to insure permanent tightness. The proposed system can be easily disassembled for the purpose of cleaning and a large number of experiments did not affect its hermeticity. All parts in contact with solutions are autoclavable for sterilization.