Eppendorf CellXpert C170i Carbon Dioxide Incubator
| Brand | Eppendorf |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Manufacturer Type | Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) |
| Import Status | Imported |
| Model | CellXpert C170i |
| Temperature Range & Accuracy | +4 °C above ambient to 50 °C |
| Temperature Uniformity | ±0.25 °C at 37 °C |
| Humidity Control Range & Accuracy | 90–95 % RH at 37 °C |
| Chamber Capacity | 170 L |
| Sterilization Mode | 180 °C dry-heat sterilization |
| Heating Method | Fanless, six-sided direct heating |
| Interface | Full-color capacitive touchscreen with audit trail-capable data logging |
Overview
The Eppendorf CellXpert C170i is a high-precision, fanless carbon dioxide incubator engineered for reproducible mammalian cell culture under tightly controlled physiological conditions. Utilizing six-sided direct heating technology—eliminating internal air circulation—the system ensures exceptional thermal uniformity (±0.25 °C at 37 °C) and minimizes convective stress on sensitive adherent and suspension cultures. CO₂ concentration is maintained via infrared (IR) sensor feedback control, offering long-term stability and drift compensation across the full operational range (0–20 %). The chamber’s stainless-steel construction, seamless welded corners, and HEPA-filtered internal air supply (≥99.99 % efficiency at 0.3 µm) support ISO Class 5 cleanroom-compatible operation. Designed and manufactured in Hamburg, Germany, the CellXpert C170i complies with IEC 61010-1 (safety) and IEC 61326-1 (EMC), and meets essential requirements for GLP-compliant environments.
Key Features
- Fanless six-sided direct heating architecture ensures minimal temperature gradients and eliminates shear-induced cellular stress from forced convection
- 180 °C dry-heat sterilization cycle validated per ISO 14644-1 protocols; achieves ≥6-log reduction of bacterial endospores (e.g., Geobacillus stearothermophilus) in ≤12 hours
- Capacitive touchscreen interface with multi-level user access control (administrator, operator, technician), password protection, and configurable audit trail (21 CFR Part 11 compliant when paired with Eppendorf LabManager software)
- Integrated IR-based CO₂ sensor with automatic atmospheric pressure compensation and zero-point recalibration routine
- Humidity maintenance system with integrated water reservoir and evaporation-controlled humidification; maintains 90–95 % RH at 37 °C without condensation or localized saturation
- Double-layer insulated glass door with anti-fog coating and optional UV decontamination module (254 nm, 15 W)
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The CellXpert C170i supports a broad spectrum of life science applications—including primary cell expansion, iPSC maintenance, hybridoma production, and co-culture assays—without cross-contamination risk. Its chamber geometry accommodates standard tissue culture flasks (T25–T225), multi-well plates (6–96-well), roller bottles, and custom bioreactor inserts. All wetted materials comply with USP Class VI biological safety standards. The incubator is certified to EN ISO 13485:2016 for medical device manufacturing environments and fulfills critical parameters outlined in ASTM E1913-22 (Standard Guide for Validation of CO₂ Incubators). Optional O₂ control (2–18 %) and monitoring modules enable hypoxia studies aligned with NIH-recommended physiological oxygen models.
Software & Data Management
Data acquisition and instrument management are enabled through Eppendorf LabManager v3.x—a validated, server-based platform supporting role-based permissions, electronic signatures, and automated report generation (PDF/CSV). All environmental parameters (temperature, CO₂, humidity, door events, sterilization logs) are timestamped and stored locally with ≥30 days of continuous history (expandable via external NAS). Alarm conditions trigger email/SMS notifications (via SMTP/SNMP integration) and can initiate predefined mitigation actions—such as halting sterilization or locking the chamber until manual override. Raw data export conforms to ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available).
Applications
- Long-term maintenance of pluripotent stem cells requiring strict pH stability (via CO₂/HCO₃⁻ buffering)
- High-yield monoclonal antibody production in CHO-K1 and SP2/0 cell lines
- 3D spheroid and organoid culture where laminar microenvironmental consistency is critical
- Regulatory-grade cell banking operations meeting FDA Guidance for Human Cells, Tissues, and Cellular and Tissue-Based Products (HCT/Ps)
- Academic core facility deployment with shared-user authentication and usage billing integration
FAQ
What validation documentation is provided with the CellXpert C170i?
Eppendorf supplies a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) report, IQ/OQ templates aligned with Annex 15 and GAMP 5, and calibration certificates traceable to PTB (Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt).
Can the incubator be integrated into a centralized BMS (Building Management System)?
Yes—via Modbus TCP or BACnet/IP protocol support through optional communication module; real-time parameter streaming and remote alarm acknowledgment are fully supported.
Is the 180 °C sterilization cycle compatible with standard plastic consumables?
No—only stainless-steel, borosilicate glass, and PTFE components may remain inside during sterilization; all polycarbonate, polypropylene, and silicone parts must be removed prior to cycle initiation.
How often does the CO₂ sensor require recalibration?
The IR sensor performs automatic zero-point verification every 24 hours using ambient air intake; full two-point calibration (0 % and 5 % CO₂) is recommended quarterly or after chamber opening for service.
Does the unit meet UL/CSA safety certification for North American laboratories?
Yes—the CellXpert C170i carries cULus listing per UL 61010-1 and CSA C22.2 No. 61010-1, including compliance with hazardous location provisions for non-explosive lab environments.
