JU CHUANG JC-QX-II Anaerobic Glove Box Workstation

Overview

The JU CHUANG JC-QX-II Anaerobic Glove Box Workstation is an integrated laboratory system engineered for the cultivation, manipulation, and long-term maintenance of strict and facultative anaerobic microorganisms under precisely controlled atmospheric and thermal conditions. Unlike conventional incubators, this workstation combines a temperature-regulated anaerobic incubation chamber with a sealed glove box environment—enabling both sample storage and hands-on microbiological operations without atmospheric exposure. Its core functionality relies on gas displacement and catalytic deoxygenation to establish and sustain an oxygen concentration ≤1% (v/v), meeting the stringent requirements for culturing obligate anaerobes such as Clostridium, Bacteroides, and Prevotella species. The system employs a dual-chamber architecture: a main anaerobic operation chamber (81.4 × 66.4 × 66.8 cm) for extended incubation and manual handling, and an auxiliary airlock-style sample chamber (33 × 23 × 32 cm) for rapid, contamination-free specimen transfer. Temperature control is implemented via a microprocessor-based P.I.D. algorithm with LCD digital interface, ensuring stable thermal profiles across the full operating range of +3°C to 60°C.

Key Features

• Integrated triple-module design: temperature-controlled incubator, anaerobic operation chamber, and vacuum-assisted sample transfer airlock
• Robust stainless steel (SUS304) interior construction for corrosion resistance and ease of sterilization
• Dual-stage anaerobic conditioning: initial vacuum evacuation followed by high-purity nitrogen (99.99%) or custom gas mixture (5% H₂ / 10% CO₂ / 85% N₂) purging
• Onboard catalytic deoxygenation unit with palladium-based catalyst for continuous O₂ scavenging and long-term atmosphere stability (>12 h without active gas flow)
• Front access window fabricated from impact-resistant, optically clear tempered glass with integrated neoprene glove ports for ergonomic manipulation
• Integrated UV-C germicidal lamp (254 nm) and electrically heated inoculation loop sterilizer for routine decontamination
• Redundant thermal safety: primary P.I.D. controller plus independent mechanical overtemperature cut-off device
• EMC-compliant architecture per GB/T 18268.1–2010 and GB 4824 Group 1 Class B standards for laboratory electromagnetic compatibility

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The JC-QX-II supports standard microbiological workflows involving Petri dishes, anaerobic jars, Hungate tubes, culture plates, and liquid broth vessels. Its internal dimensions accommodate common ISO-standard labware, including 150 mm Petri dishes and 100 mL serum bottles. All wetted surfaces are non-reactive and autoclavable. From a regulatory standpoint, the system facilitates adherence to Good Microbiological Practice (GMP) and CLSI M11-A9 guidelines for anaerobic culture. While not inherently 21 CFR Part 11 compliant (as it lacks electronic audit trail or user authentication), its operational logs, temperature history, and gas purge cycles can be manually documented to support GLP-compliant studies. The system’s gas delivery interface is compatible with standard CGA-580/590 regulators and stainless steel gas lines—requiring end users to supply certified high-purity nitrogen or pre-mixed anaerobic gas cylinders.

Software & Data Management

The JC-QX-II operates via a dedicated embedded control panel with LCD interface, offering real-time display of chamber temperature, setpoint, and elapsed purge time. It does not include PC connectivity, cloud integration, or proprietary software. All operational parameters—including temperature ramp rate, hold duration, and gas purge sequence—are configured via tactile membrane keys. Temperature data is logged internally at 1-minute intervals and viewable on-screen for up to 72 hours; longer-term trending requires external recording via optional thermocouple interfaces or third-party data loggers. For laboratories requiring traceability, the system supports integration with external environmental monitoring platforms using analog 4–20 mA or RS-485 Modbus RTU outputs (available upon request with OEM firmware upgrade).

Applications

• Cultivation of obligate anaerobes in clinical microbiology (e.g., isolation of Fusobacterium nucleatum from periodontal samples)
• Gut microbiota research requiring oxygen-sensitive bacterial consortia and fecal slurry handling
• Preclinical evaluation of probiotic strains under physiologically relevant low-O₂ conditions
• Biodegradation studies of anaerobic consortia in environmental remediation projects
• Production and quality control of live biotherapeutic products (LBPs) under cGMP-aligned workflows
• Teaching laboratories conducting standardized anaerobic culture techniques per APHA and FDA BAM protocols

FAQ

What gas mixtures are supported for anaerobic conditioning?
The system accepts 99.99% pure nitrogen or pre-blended anaerobic gas (5% H₂ / 10% CO₂ / 85% N₂) via standard CGA-580 inlet. Hydrogen-containing mixtures require additional ventilation verification per local safety codes.
Is the chamber humidity actively regulated?
Yes—the internal RH is maintained at 90% ±5% via integrated water reservoir and passive vapor diffusion; no active humidification pump is used.
Can the JC-QX-II be validated for ISO 13485 or GMP environments?
It may serve as a qualified ancillary device within validated processes; however, full IQ/OQ/PQ documentation must be performed by the end user or authorized third-party service provider.
What is the maximum load capacity for the incubation chamber?
The chamber supports up to 12 standard 150-mm Petri dishes or 24 Hungate tubes simultaneously without compromising temperature uniformity or gas exchange kinetics.
Does the system include a built-in oxygen sensor for real-time monitoring?
No—continuous O₂ monitoring requires an externally connected electrochemical or optical sensor (e.g., Systech or Baseline MOCON), interfaced via analog output or USB data logger.