Herolab UniCen MR 800 mL Benchtop High-Speed Refrigerated Centrifuge

Overview

The Herolab UniCen MR is a high-performance benchtop refrigerated centrifuge engineered for precision separation of subcellular components—including mitochondria, lysosomes, microsomes, and viral particles—in research, clinical diagnostics, and quality control laboratories. Operating on the principle of sedimentation under controlled gravitational force (RCF), the UniCen MR delivers consistent, thermally stable separations across a broad operational envelope—from low-speed pelleting of whole cells to high-speed isolation of macromolecular complexes. Its robust architecture integrates a maintenance-free high-speed induction motor with a flexible self-centering shaft, minimizing mechanical drift and ensuring long-term rotational stability. Designed and manufactured in Germany, the system complies with IEC 61010-1 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use) and meets essential requirements for CE marking under the EU Machinery Directive.

Key Features

• Maintenance-free high-speed induction motor with auto-centering capability ensures extended service life and minimal vibration at speeds up to 24,000 rpm.
• Dynamic reverse magnetic resistance braking enables rapid, smooth, and repeatable deceleration—critical for preserving heat-sensitive samples and maintaining rotor integrity.
• APRITM® (Automatic Rotor Identification & Protection) system electronically identifies each installed rotor, verifies its maximum speed rating, and enforces real-time imbalance detection with immediate shutdown if thresholds are exceeded.
• “At Set RPM” timer function initiates countdown only after reaching the user-defined rotational speed—eliminating variability introduced by acceleration phases and enhancing inter-run reproducibility.
• CFC-free refrigeration system maintains precise temperature control from −20 °C to +40 °C, with active pre-cooling and continuous thermal monitoring throughout operation.
• Compact footprint (64.0 × 55.0 × 36.0 cm) and 82.0 kg net weight facilitate integration into space-constrained laboratory environments without compromising structural rigidity or acoustic performance.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The UniCen MR supports a wide range of sample formats via 18 interchangeable rotors—including 14 angle rotors optimized for high-RCF applications (e.g., nucleic acid purification, exosome isolation), 3 swing-bucket rotors for high-capacity processing (up to 4 × 200 mL), and 1 specialized capillary hematocrit rotor. All rotors are certified to ISO 15189-relevant validation protocols and compatible with standard polypropylene, polycarbonate, and stainless-steel tubes meeting ASTM D543 and USP material specifications. The system’s design supports GLP/GMP-aligned workflows through audit-ready event logging (including rotor ID, speed, time, temperature, and error codes) and full traceability per run. It satisfies critical regulatory expectations for equipment qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) and aligns with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 readiness when paired with compliant LIMS or ELN platforms.

Software & Data Management

While the UniCen MR operates via an intuitive tactile interface with alphanumeric display, it supports external data capture through RS232 and USB ports. All operational parameters—including setpoints, actual values, timestamps, and safety events—are logged internally with non-volatile memory retention for ≥10,000 cycles. Exportable CSV-formatted logs enable integration into electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) and quality management systems (QMS). Optional firmware updates—validated and distributed exclusively through Herolab’s authorized service network—ensure continued compliance with evolving international standards including ISO/IEC 17025:2017 clause 6.4.3 (Equipment Management).

Applications

• Isolation of organelles (e.g., mitochondrial fractions from tissue homogenates) using fixed-angle rotors at ≥35,000 × g.
• Clarification and concentration of viral vectors (AAV, lentivirus) in gene therapy development pipelines.
• Routine blood fractionation (plasma, PBMCs, serum) using swing-bucket rotors with validated tube compatibility.
• Preparative ultracentrifugation support for nanoparticle characterization (liposomes, extracellular vesicles) prior to DLS or TEM analysis.
• QC testing of biopharmaceutical intermediates requiring strict temperature control during centrifugal clarification steps.

FAQ

What is the maximum RCF achievable with the UniCen MR, and under what conditions?
The maximum relative centrifugal force of 45,078 × g is achieved using the 6 × 94 mL fixed-angle rotor at 24,000 rpm and full load.
Does the UniCen MR comply with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements?
The instrument provides audit-trail-capable event logging and user-accessible parameter history; full Part 11 compliance requires implementation of complementary access controls and electronic signature protocols within the host LIMS or QMS.
Can the system be validated for GMP environments?
Yes—the UniCen MR is designed to support IQ/OQ/PQ documentation packages, including factory-issued calibration certificates, mechanical verification reports, and temperature uniformity mapping protocols.
Is remote monitoring or network connectivity supported?
Native Ethernet or Wi-Fi is not integrated; however, third-party serial-to-Ethernet gateways may be deployed for centralized status polling in facility-wide monitoring systems.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for routine operation?
No scheduled motor maintenance is required; annual verification of refrigeration performance, rotor inspection (per ISO 21501-4), and brake system calibration are advised by Herolab Service Guidelines.