WIGGENS DIGICEN 21 Programmable Refrigerated Benchtop Centrifuge
| Brand | WIGGENS |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | DIGICEN 21 |
| Instrument Type | Benchtop Centrifuge |
| Category | High-Speed Refrigerated Centrifuge |
| Max. Speed | 16500 rpm |
| Max. RCF | 26480 × g |
| Max. Capacity | 4 × 100 mL (horizontal rotor) or 85 mL (fixed-angle rotor) |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 410 × 530 × 320 mm |
| Weight | 36 kg |
| Power Supply | 220–230 V, 50–60 Hz |
| Power Consumption | 440 W |
| Noise Level | <60 dB(A) |
| Compliance | EN 61010-1, EN 61010-2-020, EN 61326-1, EN 61326-2-6 |
Overview
The WIGGENS DIGICEN 21 is a microprocessor-controlled, refrigerated benchtop centrifuge engineered for precision, reproducibility, and operational safety in routine and demanding laboratory workflows. Designed around a brushless DC motor architecture and active thermoregulation system, it delivers stable temperature control down to –9 °C at maximum speed—critical for preserving labile biomolecules, cell suspensions, and clinical specimens during high-g force separation. Its core operation adheres to fundamental centrifugal sedimentation principles: differential particle migration under controlled angular velocity and radius-dependent relative centrifugal force (RCF), enabling reliable pelleting, phase separation, and density gradient applications. The DIGICEN 21 supports both horizontal (swinging-bucket) and fixed-angle rotor configurations—providing flexibility across diverse sample formats without compromising mechanical integrity or thermal uniformity.
Key Features
- Programmable control interface with backlit LCD display showing real-time rpm, RCF, elapsed time, and remaining runtime
- Precise speed and RCF adjustment in 50 rpm / 50 × g increments, with on-the-fly parameter modification during active runs
- 16 programmable protocols with up to 175 selectable acceleration/deceleration ramp profiles (PCBS function) to minimize resuspension and maintain pellet integrity
- Timer range: 1–99 minutes with 5-second resolution; supports both forward and reverse countdown modes
- Integrated safety architecture: automatic mechanical lid lock, emergency manual unlock, dynamic imbalance detection with immediate shutdown, impact-resistant transparent lid with observation window, and anti-drop hinge mechanism
- Stainless steel centrifuge chamber (AISI 304) with insulated outer casing and forced-air cooling system to limit thermal drift during extended runs
- Autoclavable rotors and adapters (121 °C, 20 min); rotor installation/removal possible only when lid is fully closed
- Energy-saving mode with auto-power-off after idle timeout; ultra-low acoustic signature (<60 dB(A)) suitable for shared lab environments
- Over-speed protection, rotor recognition memory, and last-parameter recall functionality
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The DIGICEN 21 accommodates a broad spectrum of primary laboratory consumables—including conical-bottom and round-bottom centrifuge tubes (0.2–100 mL), cryovials, capillary tubes, PCR strips, microtiter plates (6-/4-/2-well formats), and cell culture plates. Horizontal rotor RT267 supports up to 4 × 100 mL tubes at 5000 rpm (4109 × g); fixed-angle rotor RT183 achieves 16500 rpm (16741 × g) for 32 × 0.2 mL PCR tubes. All rotors and adapters are CE-marked and validated per IEC/EN 61010-2-020 for centrifuge-specific safety requirements. Device compliance extends to ISO/IEC 17025-aligned quality systems and supports GLP/GMP-relevant operational traceability when paired with external audit-ready documentation practices.
Software & Data Management
While the DIGICEN 21 operates as a standalone instrument without proprietary PC software, its embedded firmware enables full parameter logging via visual display and audible alerts. All run parameters—including speed, RCF, time, temperature setpoint, and ramp profile—are retained in non-volatile memory and recalled automatically upon power-up. The system generates no digital audit trail by default; however, manual recordkeeping of protocol IDs (1–16), timestamps, and rotor usage aligns with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 principles when integrated into laboratory SOPs. Optional third-party LIMS interfaces may be implemented via RS-232 or analog output modules (not included).
Applications
- Cell harvesting and subcellular fractionation (nuclei, mitochondria, lysosomes)
- Clinical specimen processing: serum/plasma separation from whole blood, PBMC isolation
- Nucleic acid purification workflows (plasmid prep, viral RNA/DNA concentration)
- Protein precipitation and antibody clarification in bioprocessing QA/QC
- Particle size distribution analysis via differential centrifugation (e.g., exosome enrichment)
- Quality control of colloidal suspensions, emulsions, and nanomaterial dispersions
- High-throughput microplate centrifugation for ELISA, bead-based assays, and NGS library prep
FAQ
What is the lowest temperature achievable at maximum speed?
At 16500 rpm, the DIGICEN 21 maintains –6 °C (horizontal rotor) to –9 °C (fixed-angle rotor) depending on rotor geometry and ambient conditions.
Can rotors be sterilized in an autoclave?
Yes—both rotors and all listed adapters are rated for steam sterilization at 121 °C for 20 minutes; verify compatibility with specific adapter materials prior to repeated cycles.
Is imbalance detection active during acceleration and deceleration?
Yes—the microcontroller continuously monitors vibration signatures throughout the entire run cycle and initiates emergency stop if imbalance exceeds 5 g threshold.
Does the centrifuge support continuous operation mode?
No—it operates exclusively in timed mode; “hold” functionality is not implemented to prevent unattended thermal accumulation.
Are rotor identification chips required for safe operation?
No—rotor recognition is mechanical and position-based; no RFID or electronic tags are used, ensuring long-term reliability without battery or firmware dependency.
