Thermo Fisher Scientific MicroCL 17 & 21 Microcentrifuges
| Brand | Thermo Fisher Scientific |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Model | MicroCL 17 / MicroCL 21 |
| Maximum RCF | 17,000 × g / 21,000 × g |
| Acceleration/Deceleration Time | ≈12 s (typical) |
| Rotor Compatibility | 24-position fixed-angle rotor (1.5–2.0 mL), 18-position dual-row rotor (0.5 + 2.0 mL), high-capacity PCR rotor (0.2–0.5 mL and capillary tubes) |
| Safety Certification | IEC 61010-2-020 compliant |
| Rotor Material | Anodized aluminum with autoclavable ClickSeal™ biocontainment lid |
| Display | Backlit LCD with intuitive keypad interface |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 22.9 × 30.5 × 22.9 cm |
| Weight | 12.7 kg |
Overview
The Thermo Fisher Scientific MicroCL 17 and MicroCL 21 microcentrifuges are compact, high-performance benchtop instruments engineered for precision separation of small-volume biological samples in research, clinical, and quality control laboratories. Based on fixed-angle rotor centrifugation physics, these units generate controlled radial acceleration to sediment particles—including nucleic acids, proteins, cellular organelles, and precipitated reagents—according to their size, density, and shape. The MicroCL platform leverages optimized brushless DC motor architecture and dynamic braking algorithms to achieve rapid acceleration and deceleration profiles (≈12 seconds from rest to full speed and vice versa), minimizing total run time without compromising reproducibility or sample integrity. Designed for daily high-throughput workflows, the system operates within a strict thermal envelope (<10 °C temperature rise during continuous operation), ensuring thermal stability critical for temperature-sensitive biomolecules.
Key Features
- Two performance tiers: MicroCL 17 delivers up to 17,000 × g; MicroCL 21 achieves 21,000 × g—enabling method scalability across routine pelleting, phase separation, and microfiltration applications.
- IEC 61010-2-020 certified safety architecture, including automatic rotor imbalance detection, lid interlock, and real-time motor current monitoring.
- ClickSeal™ biocontainment rotor lid: self-engaging mechanical latch eliminates manual tightening, ensures leak-tight sealing during high-speed operation, and meets biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) containment requirements for infectious agents.
- Corrosion-resistant anodized aluminum rotors compatible with repeated exposure to ethanol, isopropanol, sodium hypochlorite, and autoclaving (121 °C, 20 min, 100 cycles minimum).
- Ergonomic front-panel interface featuring backlit LCD display, tactile keypad navigation, and persistent parameter memory—even after power interruption.
- Space-efficient footprint (22.9 × 30.5 × 22.9 cm) with smooth, non-porous housing surfaces facilitating wipe-down decontamination between runs.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The MicroCL series supports standardized microvolume formats without adapters: standard 24-position rotor accommodates all common 1.5 mL and 2.0 mL conical-bottom microtubes, including spin filters and low-retention variants. The optional 18-position dual-row rotor enables simultaneous processing of heterogeneous tube sets—e.g., 0.5 mL tubes in outer positions and 2.0 mL tubes in inner positions—eliminating cross-format workflow interruptions. High-density PCR rotors support up to 32 × 0.2 mL tubes or 16 × 0.5 mL tubes in single-spin configurations, while specialized capillary rotors enable hematocrit analysis per CLSI H47-A3 guidelines. All rotors are validated per ISO 13485 manufacturing controls and carry CE marking for in vitro diagnostic use where applicable. Instrument firmware complies with GLP/GMP data integrity expectations via audit-trail-enabled parameter logging (date/time-stamped start/stop, speed, time, RCF).
Software & Data Management
While the MicroCL 17/21 operates as a standalone instrument, its parameter set (speed, time, RCF, acceleration/deceleration ramping) is fully configurable and recallable via onboard memory (up to 9 user-defined protocols). No external software is required for routine operation; however, optional Thermo Fisher Connect™ integration allows remote status monitoring and protocol synchronization across multi-instrument lab environments. All operational logs—including rotor ID verification, cycle count, and error codes—are stored internally and exportable via USB flash drive in CSV format for regulatory submission or internal QA review. Firmware updates maintain alignment with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 electronic record requirements for signature-capable systems when deployed in regulated settings.
Applications
- Routine nucleic acid purification (plasmid prep, PCR cleanup, column-based RNA isolation)
- Protein precipitation and desalting prior to LC-MS or electrophoresis
- Cellular fractionation (cytoplasmic vs. nuclear extracts)
- Microfiltration of viscous reagents (e.g., glycerol stocks, enzyme solutions)
- Hematocrit determination using calibrated capillary tubes
- High-throughput sample concentration in genomics and proteomics core facilities
FAQ
What is the maximum rotor capacity for 0.2 mL PCR tubes?
The dedicated PCR rotor holds 32 × 0.2 mL tubes at full speed (21,000 × g for MicroCL 21) with balanced loading.
Can the rotors be sterilized in an autoclave?
Yes—both fixed-angle rotors and ClickSeal™ lids are rated for 100 cycles of steam sterilization at 121 °C, 20 minutes, per manufacturer specifications.
Is rotor imbalance detection automatic?
Yes—the system continuously monitors motor load and halts operation if imbalance exceeds ±5% tolerance, displaying error code E12.
Does the MicroCL series support variable acceleration/deceleration profiles?
No—default ramping is fixed at ≈12 s to optimize thermal management and mechanical longevity; no programmable ramp settings are provided.
Are replacement rotors traceable to lot-specific calibration certificates?
Yes—each rotor ships with a CoA (Certificate of Analysis) listing serial number, material certification, and balance test results per ISO 1940-1 G2.5 grade.
