Beckman Optima MAX-XP UltraCentrifuge

The Beckman Coulter Optima MAX-XP Ultracentrifuge is a high-performance benchtop system designed to deliver exceptional separation efficiency for subcellular particles, viruses, nanoparticles, and biomolecules. Capable of reaching a maximum speed of 150,000 rpm and generating centrifugal forces up to 1,019,000 x g, it combines a vacuum-sealed drive system with solid-state cooling (0–40°C) to ensure stable, contamination-free operation without CFCs. The instrument features an intuitive full-color touchscreen interface with multi-language support, customizable user profiles for up to 12 individuals, and advanced software for secure electronic record-keeping, including password-controlled access and comprehensive audit trails, making it fully compliant with GLP/GMP standards. Its compact design (approx. 39.4 cm height) saves valuable lab space, while the quiet operation and remote monitoring capabilities enhance workflow efficiency in demanding research environments.

This specific configuration includes two versatile rotors to cover a wide range of sample volumes and applications: the MLS-50 Swinging-Bucket Rotor and the TLS-55 Swinging-Bucket Rotor (commonly referenced in setups alongside TLS-50 components). The MLS-50 rotor operates at up to 50,000 rpm (268,000 x g) and holds 4 x 5 mL tubes, making it ideal for rate-zonal separation of subcellular organelles, RNA pelleting, and isopycnic separations. Its swinging-bucket design ensures uniform pellet formation across the tube bottom, facilitating easy sample recovery. The TLS-55 rotor runs at up to 55,000 rpm (259,000 x g) with a capacity of 4 x 2.2 mL tubes, offering a lower k-factor (50) for faster, high-resolution density gradient centrifugation, such as exosome purification, viral vector isolation, and nucleic acid processing. Both rotors come with dedicated aluminum buckets and are part of Beckman’s integrated rotor system, which includes automatic rotor life tracking and overspeed protection to maximize safety and reproducibility.

Together, this ultracentrifuge and rotor package serves as a cornerstone for advanced life science research, supporting applications from crude sample clarification to high-precision gradient purification. The MLS-50 handles larger volume prep work (e.g., initial organelle enrichment or bulk RNA precipitation), while the TLS-55 excels in small-volume, high-value sample processing (e.g., extracellular vesicle isolation or plasmid DNA banding). The system’s flexibility is further enhanced by its compatibility with a broad ecosystem of Beckman ultracentrifuge tubes and adapters. With robust construction, comprehensive safety features (including optional HEPA filtration for biohazard containment), and detailed run logging, the Optima MAX-XP with MLS-50 and TLS-55 rotors provides a reliable, high-throughput solution for virology, genomics, proteomics, and nanotechnology laboratories requiring reproducible, ultra-high-speed separation performance.

*Note: The "TLS 50" in the query is typically the TLS-55 model in Beckman's current rotor library for the MAX-XP.