g-TUBE is a single-use device that shears genomic DNA into selected fragments sizes ranging from 6kb to 20kb. The only equipment needed is a compatible bench-top centrifuge.
g-TUBE uses centrifugal force (the “g” in g-TUBE) to push the sample through a precisely manufactured orifice. This produces shearing forces in the sample that fragment the DNA. Fragment size is selected by adjusting the centrifuge rotor speed which alters the flow rate through the orifice and thus the shearing forces. Higher centrifugation RPM will produce shorter fragments and the protocol provided by Covaris contains the settings to generate fragment distributions centered on 6, 8, 10 or 20 kbp.