Description:

The Vacufuge 5301 concentrates DNA, RNA and protein samples gently by marrying moderate centrifugal force (240 × g) with a chemical-resistant diaphragm pump that pulls the chamber below 20 mbar. Samples in the 48-place fixed-angle rotor spin at 1 400 rpm while radiant heaters maintain user-selectable setpoints of ambient, 30 °C, 45 °C or 60 °C to accelerate solvent evaporation without denaturing biomolecules. Three aeration modes—aqueous, alcohol and off—balance speed against bumping risk, and a programmable timer covers 1 min to 9 h 59 min plus continuous. Despite the integral pump, the 31 kg (68 lb) housing occupies only 12.6 × 20.9 × 11.8 in, freeing fume-hood real estate. An acrylic lid with vacuum interlock protects users; the 350 W system plugs into a single 115 V, 60 Hz outlet.

Economic Advantage:

Before the Vacufuge, lyophilizers or large speed-vacs dominated nucleic-acid prep, tying up cold traps and rotary pumps. Eppendorf’s sealed diaphragm pump eliminated oil changes and saved several thousand dollars in ancillary equipment, while its mid-temperature presets cut run times by up to 20 % against room-temperature evaporators—turning overnight dries into lunch-break tasks.