ntroduction of microtubes 

Microtubes are small plastic containers that are mainly used in research laboratories and medical diagnostics, to store small amounts of samples, and also to use in microcentrifuge devices. The end of the microtube is cone-shaped and has a polyethylene lid attached to the body. It has the ability to open and close continuously without any change in performance. These pipes are made of polypropylene and besides being resistant to chemical and organic solvents, they are able to withstand temperatures in the range of -80°C to 121°C. It is possible to disinfect microtubes at a temperature of 121 degrees Celsius and a pressure of one atmosphere. Microtubes are relatively cheap and disposable. Eppendorf microtube is the brand name of microtubes or centrifuge tubes, which many companies with different brand names are currently producing microtubes.

Types of microtubes

Classification of microtubes is usually based on color, size, sterilization ability or the shape of the lid and body.

The most common classification of microtubes is based on their capacity. 0.1 and 0.2 ml microtubes have thin and transparent walls and are used to store very small volumes of samples such as DNA and RNA. 0.5, 1.5 and 2 ml microtubes are used to perform tests such as extracting samples or storing certain amounts of biological samples. To prevent the opening of the microtubes, a safety lock is installed on them, which prevents the sample from leaving during centrifugation or falling from the work table. Microtubes with volumes above 5 ml are often used for centrifuges.

Microtubes are available in both sterile and non-sterile types. Usually, samples such as DNA, which are highly sensitive and the presence of any contamination affects the PCR results, are kept in sterilized microtubes. Mostly microtubes with very small volume are available in sterile form and in certain cases microtube with high volume and sterilized are used.

Another type of classification of microtubes is classification based on their color. Most microtubes are made of transparent polypropylene, but in cases where the composition is sensitive to light, there is a need for colored microtubes. Microtubes are produced in blue, yellow, purple, green and dark brown colors.

In terms of appearance and size, microtubes have a standard shape, and all microtubes below 2 ml have a cylindrical body and a conical end. As the capacitance increases, microtubes with convex ends are produced.

When choosing the type of microtube, depending on the type of sample and the desired test, attention should be paid to such things as autoclavability, graduation, high tolerance of centrifugal force in the centrifuge, the ability to open and close repeatedly and heat transfer from the walls of the microtube.