50 mL Sterile Freestanding Centrifuge Tubes — PPC, Green Screw Cap, 10/Bag Unassembled (222-3550-G80)
These 50 mL polypropylene copolymer (PPC) centrifuge tubes arrive sterile and freestanding, with a green screw cap packed separately in the bag for bench-side assembly. Part number 222-3550-G80 delivers the maximum standard centrifuge tube volume in a format optimized for cell biology, density-gradient work, and reagent preparation where sterility, optical clarity, and broad chemical compatibility are all required. The conical freestanding base supports tubes without a rack, freeing biosafety cabinet workspace during large-volume culture harvests and wash steps.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Part Number (MPN) | 222-3550-G80 |
| Capacity | 50 mL |
| Geometry | Conical bottom, freestanding base |
| Material | Polypropylene Copolymer (PPC) |
| Tube Color | Natural (clear) |
| Cap Color | Green screw cap |
| Sterility | Sterile |
| Assembly | Unassembled (tube + cap supplied loose in bag) |
| Includes Spork | No |
| Pack Size | 10/Bag |
| BPA / Phthalate / Latex | BPA-Free, Phthalate-Free, Latex-Free |
| Country of Origin | USA |
Applications
- Cell culture harvest — large-volume suspension cultures processed at the biosafety cabinet, where the freestanding base eliminates the need for a tube rack
- PBMC isolation via Ficoll density gradient — PPC optical clarity allows precise monitoring of the buffy coat interface; sterile format supports downstream culture
- Large-scale T-cell expansion and stimulation at the 50 mL scale
- Bench centrifuge pelleting and washing steps in standard 50 mL rotors up to 3000 × g
- Sterile media and buffer preparation — freestanding base keeps tubes upright on the BSC work surface
- Cold storage at 4 °C, −20 °C, and −80 °C, where PPC maintains flexibility superior to polystyrene
- Cell therapy manufacturing — sterile lot-traceable consumable for GMP cell wash, concentration, and harvest workflows
Chemical Resistance
| Reagent / Condition | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Aqueous buffers / saline (pH 2–12) | Excellent |
| Cell culture media (RPMI, DMEM) | Excellent |
| Methanol / acetonitrile (<100%) | Excellent — key advantage over polystyrene |
| Formalin (10% NBF) | Excellent |
| Ficoll / Percoll density media | Excellent |
| DMSO (<10%) | Excellent — compatible at cryoprotectant concentrations |
| Cold storage (−80 °C) | Excellent — improved flexibility vs. polystyrene |
| Dichloromethane / chloroform | Not Compatible — causes cracking; do not use |
Quality & Procurement
Made in USA, these Caplugs® Evergreen centrifuge tubes are manufactured from FDA-compliant, BPA-free, phthalate-free, latex-free polypropylene copolymer resin. The 10/Bag unassembled format offers cost-effective per-tube economics for labs that stage tubes at the bench before use; the tray-assembled alternative (222-3549-G8D, 20/Tray) is available for workflows requiring pre-assembled, audit-ready packaging. LabSupplies.com is an authorized Caplugs® Evergreen dealer and ships from USA inventory, typically same business day for stocking items, with tiered pricing available for institutional, clinical, and grant-funded laboratories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are these tubes supplied unassembled?
The unassembled format — tube and green screw cap packed loose in the bag — lowers per-unit cost and suits labs that assemble tubes immediately before use at the biosafety cabinet. If your workflow requires pre-assembled, rack-format packaging, consider the 222-3549-G8D (50 mL, 20/Tray Assembled).
What is the advantage of PPC over standard polypropylene or polystyrene for 50 mL centrifuge tubes?
Polypropylene copolymer (PPC) combines the broad chemical resistance of polypropylene — including full compatibility with methanol and acetonitrile that polystyrene cannot match — with improved cold-temperature flexibility and optical clarity for monitoring pellets and density-gradient interfaces. It remains intact and flexible at −80 °C, making it suitable for frozen storage applications where polystyrene tubes can become brittle.
Are these tubes compatible with standard centrifuge rotors?
Yes — the conical 50 mL geometry is dimensionally compatible with standard 50 mL bench centrifuge rotors. Users should verify maximum g-force ratings with their specific rotor documentation; routine cell wash and harvest steps are typically performed well within the universal 50 mL rotor operating range.
Can these sterile tubes be used in GMP or regulated cell therapy manufacturing?
These sterile PPC tubes are well-suited to GMP cell wash, concentration, and harvest workflows. Laboratories operating under GMP or other regulated frameworks should confirm that lot documentation and sterility validation meet their internal quality requirements before incorporating any consumable into a validated process.