Density gradient centrifugation

A centrifugation technique that separates particles based on their buoyant density using a gradient of increasing density medium (like sucrose or cesium chloride). Particles migrate to positions where their density matches that of the surrounding medium.

Combines 'density gradient' (referring to the graduated density medium) with 'centrifugation.' Developed in the 1950s-60s, with cesium chloride gradients pioneered by Matthew Meselson and Franklin Stahl for their famous DNA replication experiments.