Thermo Scientific Sorvall Legend Micro 17/17R/21/21R Microcentrifuge
| Brand | Thermo Fisher Scientific |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Model | Sorvall Legend Micro 17/17R/21/21R |
| Max RCF | 17,000 × g (Micro 17/17R) / 21,100 × g (Micro 21/21R) |
| Max Speed | 13,300 rpm (Micro 17/17R) / 14,800 rpm (Micro 21/21R) |
| Noise Level | <55 dBA (Micro 17/17R) / <56 dBA (Micro 21/21R) |
| Timer Range | 1–99 min (1-min increments) |
| Temperature Range | –9 °C to +40 °C (1 °C step, refrigerated models only) |
| Acceleration/Deceleration Time | ≈12 s |
Overview
The Thermo Scientific Sorvall Legend Micro 17/17R/21/21R Microcentrifuge is a high-performance, benchtop centrifuge engineered for precision and reproducibility in molecular biology, clinical diagnostics, and pharmaceutical quality control laboratories. Designed around the principles of rotor dynamics and controlled angular acceleration, this microcentrifuge delivers consistent sedimentation forces across diverse sample formats—enabling rapid pelleting of nucleic acids, proteins, cellular organelles, and particulates from microliter-scale volumes. Its compact footprint and modular rotor architecture support seamless integration into high-throughput workflows while maintaining strict adherence to ISO 13485-aligned manufacturing standards and FDA-recognized design controls for regulated environments.
Key Features
- Two performance tiers: Micro 17/17R achieves up to 17,000 × g (13,300 rpm); Micro 21/21R delivers up to 21,100 × g (14,800 rpm), accommodating differential centrifugation protocols requiring higher g-force resolution.
- Optimized acceleration and deceleration profiles—≈12 seconds to reach full speed and return to rest—minimize total cycle time without compromising sample integrity or rotor longevity.
- ClickSeal® biocontainment rotor lids engage automatically upon closure, providing passive mechanical sealing compliant with IEC 61010-2-020 safety requirements for biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) applications.
- Corrosion-resistant aluminum rotors withstand repeated exposure to ethanol, sodium hypochlorite, and autoclaving at 121 °C for 20 minutes—ensuring long-term sterility assurance under GLP/GMP conditions.
- Intuitive front-panel interface with high-contrast LCD display supports real-time monitoring of speed, RCF, time, and temperature (refrigerated models), with programmable recall of up to 10 user-defined methods.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
This microcentrifuge accommodates a broad spectrum of standard and specialty microvolume containers without adapters. The 24-position fixed-angle rotor accepts all common 1.5 mL and 2.0 mL conical and round-bottom microtubes—including spin filters and lysis columns. A dedicated 18-position dual-row rotor enables simultaneous processing of heterogeneous tube sets (e.g., 0.5 mL and 2.0 mL tubes) while maintaining balanced mass distribution. Additional rotor options include high-capacity PCR plate carriers (96-well format), capillary hematocrit rotors, and low-volume 0.2 mL PCR tube arrays—all validated per ASTM F2119-22 for centrifugal force uniformity and mechanical stability. All refrigerated variants (17R/21R) comply with IEC 60601-1 for medical electrical equipment and maintain ±1 °C temperature accuracy across the full –9 °C to +40 °C range, supporting cold-sensitive enzyme assays and RNA stabilization protocols.
Software & Data Management
While the Sorvall Legend Micro series operates via standalone hardware controls, its method parameters—including speed, time, temperature setpoint, and brake profile—are fully traceable through internal event logging. Each run stores timestamped metadata (start time, duration, final RCF, rotor ID, and error codes) accessible via front-panel review. For laboratories operating under 21 CFR Part 11 requirements, optional integration with Thermo Fisher’s Connect™ Lab Management Software enables secure electronic recordkeeping, role-based access control, and audit trail generation for method validation and instrument qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) documentation.
Applications
- Routine nucleic acid purification (plasmid prep, PCR cleanup, column-based RNA isolation)
- Protein precipitation and desalting using spin columns or ultrafiltration devices
- Cellular fractionation workflows involving mitochondria, nuclei, or membrane vesicles
- Clinical specimen processing—including serum separation from capillary blood samples using hematocrit rotors
- High-throughput screening where rapid turnaround between runs is critical (e.g., diagnostic assay development, QC release testing)
FAQ
What is the difference between the “R” and non-“R” models?
The “R” suffix denotes refrigerated variants (17R and 21R) equipped with a compressor-based cooling system capable of maintaining temperatures from –9 °C to +40 °C. Non-refrigerated models (17 and 21) operate at ambient temperature only.
Can I use third-party rotors or adapters with this centrifuge?
No. Only Thermo Fisher–certified rotors and accessories are approved for use. Unauthorized components may compromise mechanical balance, thermal management, and safety interlock functionality.
Is the ClickSeal® lid compatible with all available rotors?
Yes—the ClickSeal® mechanism is integrated into every rotor lid supplied with the Sorvall Legend Micro platform and has been validated for leak-tight performance under maximum rated RCF conditions.
How often does the centrifuge require preventive maintenance?
Annual calibration and visual inspection of the rotor chamber, door latch assembly, and refrigeration system (for R models) are recommended. Rotors must be inspected for corrosion, pitting, or thread damage before each use per manufacturer guidelines.
Does this instrument support GLP-compliant data archiving?
Yes—when paired with Thermo Fisher Connect™ software and configured with appropriate user permissions and digital signature modules, it meets core ALCOA+ data integrity criteria for regulated laboratory environments.
