Eppendorf CS150(F)NX Series Micro-Ultracentrifuge (Himac)
| Brand | Eppendorf |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Manufacturer Type | Manufacturer |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | CS150NX / CS150FNX |
| Instrument Type | Floor-standing Ultracentrifuge |
| Feature Parameter | Ultrahigh-speed Centrifuge (>30,000 rpm) |
| Function | Refrigerated Centrifuge |
| Typical Configuration | Fixed-angle Rotor Centrifuge |
| Separation Level | Organelles / Viruses |
| Maximum Capacity | 6 × 30 mL |
| Maximum Speed | 150,000 rpm |
| Maximum RCF | 1,050,000 × g |
| Dimensions (CS150FNX) | 440 × 520 × 910 mm |
Overview
The Eppendorf CS150(F)NX Series Micro-Ultracentrifuge (Himac) is a high-performance, refrigerated ultracentrifuge engineered for demanding biomolecular separation workflows in academic research, biopharmaceutical development, and advanced diagnostics laboratories. Operating on the principle of sedimentation equilibrium and rate-zonal centrifugation under vacuum, the system delivers exceptional rotor stability and thermal control at rotational speeds up to 150,000 rpm—generating a maximum relative centrifugal force (RCF) of 1,050,000 × g. Designed in collaboration with Hitachi High-Technologies (Himac platform), this instrument enables rapid isolation of subcellular structures—including ribosomes, microsomes, exosomes, viral particles, and synthetic nanoparticles—with reproducible pelleting efficiency across sample volumes ranging from 0.2 mL to 30 mL per tube. Its dual-platform architecture—offering both floor-standing (CS150FNX) and benchtop (CS150NX) configurations—ensures adaptability to space-constrained cleanrooms, GMP-compliant production suites, and core facility environments without compromising mechanical integrity or thermal performance.
Key Features
- Ultra-low acoustic emission: Noise level ≤45 dB(A) during operation—compatible with open-plan lab layouts and adjacent sensitive instrumentation (e.g., mass spectrometers, optical microscopes).
- Intelligent rotor management system with automatic rotor locking: Enables secure, tool-free rotor installation and removal in under 5 seconds; each rotor is uniquely identified via embedded RFID for traceable usage history.
- Non-contact imbalance detection: Real-time vibration monitoring eliminates reliance on manual mass balancing; accommodates liquid level differences up to 5 mm between paired tubes (excluding S140AT, S110AT, S80AT3, and S50A rotors).
- Advanced refrigeration architecture: Dual-stage compressor system maintains precise temperature control from −20 °C to +40 °C, with pre-cooling capability and rapid thermal recovery post-run.
- Large 7-inch capacitive touchscreen interface: Supports multi-user authentication, audit-trail-enabled operation logs, and programmable access levels aligned with ALCOA+ data integrity principles.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The CS150(F)NX supports a comprehensive range of fixed-angle rotors optimized for ultracentrifugation applications—including carbon-fiber and titanium alloy variants compatible with high-speed nucleic acid purification, membrane protein solubilization, and extracellular vesicle enrichment protocols. All rotors comply with ISO 15197:2015 (rotor safety certification) and are validated for use under ICH Q5A (viral clearance studies) and USP (characterization of therapeutic proteins). The instrument meets EN 61000-3-2 (electromagnetic compatibility) and EN 61000-3-3 (voltage fluctuation immunity), and its firmware architecture supports 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic records when deployed with Eppendorf’s optional LabManager software suite.
Software & Data Management
Pre-installed firmware includes up to 20 user-defined method programs with parameter locking, run-time validation, and automatic metadata tagging (date/time, operator ID, rotor serial number, temperature setpoint, acceleration/deceleration profiles). Optional integration with Eppendorf LabManager enables centralized fleet monitoring, remote diagnostics, and export of CSV- or PDF-formatted run reports—including RCF, k-factor, and cumulative rotor hour tracking. Audit trails are timestamped, immutable, and exportable for internal quality audits or regulatory inspections under GLP, GMP, or ISO/IEC 17025 frameworks.
Applications
- Isolation and purification of enveloped and non-enveloped viruses for vaccine development and infectivity assays.
- Density gradient ultracentrifugation of lipoproteins (HDL/LDL/VLDL) and exosomes using iodixanol or sucrose gradients.
- Subcellular fractionation of mitochondria, lysosomes, and synaptic vesicles from neural tissue homogenates.
- Concentration and size-based separation of synthetic nanoparticles (e.g., lipid nanoparticles, polymeric micelles) prior to DLS or TEM characterization.
- Routine preparation of high-purity plasmid DNA and RNA for CRISPR guide synthesis and mRNA vaccine manufacturing.
FAQ
What is the minimum sample volume supported by the CS150(F)NX?
The system accommodates sample volumes as low as 0.2 mL using specialized ultra-low-volume rotors (e.g., S50A, S80AT3), ensuring minimal sample loss during high-g pelleting.
Does the CS150(F)NX support swing-bucket rotors?
No—this series is configured exclusively for fixed-angle rotors optimized for maximum RCF and rapid pelleting kinetics; swing-bucket configurations are not available.
How is rotor lifetime tracked and managed?
Each rotor contains an embedded memory chip recording cumulative operating hours, maximum speed history, and thermal cycling events; data is automatically synchronized upon installation.
Can the instrument be integrated into a LIMS environment?
Yes—via RS-232, Ethernet, or USB interfaces, the CS150(F)NX supports standardized data export formats compatible with major laboratory information management systems.
Is routine calibration required for regulatory compliance?
While no scheduled calibration is mandated by Eppendorf, annual verification of temperature accuracy (±1 °C), speed accuracy (±100 rpm), and RCF calculation consistency is recommended for GLP/GMP alignment.
