Hansatech inO2 Precision Dissolved Oxygen Measurement System with Microelectrode Sensor
| Origin | USA |
|---|---|
| Supplier Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Import Status | Imported |
| Model | inO2 |
| Pricing | Available Upon Request |
| Measurement Range | 0–100% O₂ (v/v), 0–20 ppm (mg/L) |
| Current Output | 0–2000 nA |
| Resolution | 0.1 ppm, 0.1% O₂ |
| Accuracy | ±1% of reading |
| Response Time (90%) | <10 s in stirred solution |
| Electrode Tip | 2 mm diameter stainless steel, 70 mm active length, 130 mm total length |
| Cable Length | 120 cm |
| Display | 3.5-digit LCD |
| Output Interface | BNC analog output (1000 Ω impedance for chart recorder) |
| Power | Rechargeable battery or external DC adapter |
| Dimensions | 8 × 9 × 3 in (203 × 229 × 76 mm) |
| Weight | 2 lb (0.9 kg) |
| Included Accessories | Two replacement membranes and electrolyte solution |
Overview
The Hansatech inO2 is a high-precision, microprocessor-based dissolved oxygen (DO) measurement system engineered for quantitative respiratory physiology and low-oxygen biological assays. It operates on the principle of amperometric detection using a Clark-type polarographic microcathode electrode — a proven electrochemical transducer optimized for stability, linearity, and rapid response in aqueous and semi-aqueous environments. Unlike optical DO sensors, the inO2 electrode delivers trace-level sensitivity (down to 0.1 ppm) with minimal drift and negligible temperature-induced baseline shift when operated under controlled polarization voltage. The system is specifically designed for closed-chamber respirometry, flow-through metabolic monitoring, and real-time DO profiling in cell suspensions, tissue homogenates, mitochondrial preparations, and microbial cultures. Its modular architecture supports both standalone operation via front-panel LCD and full computer integration — enabling GLP-compliant data acquisition, timestamped event annotation, and post-acquisition kinetic analysis.
Key Features
- Amperometric Clark-type microcathode sensor with 2 mm tip diameter and stainless-steel shaft for mechanical robustness and biocompatibility
- Real-time analog output (BNC, 1000 Ω) compatible with strip-chart recorders, DAQ systems, and legacy lab instrumentation
- Dual-mode operation: autonomous use with integrated LCD and battery power, or PC-controlled via RS-232 serial interface
- Software-driven polarization control, signal amplification, and 16-bit ADC conversion — eliminating manual gain adjustment
- Configurable units: % O₂ (air-saturated), ppm (mg/L), µM O₂, or kPa — automatically converted based on temperature and salinity inputs
- Event marker functionality: precise timestamping of substrate additions, inhibitors, or environmental perturbations during recording
- Low-power design enables >12 hours of continuous operation on rechargeable battery; optional AC adapter included
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The inO2 system accommodates sample volumes from 50 µL to 3 mL in standardized respirometric cuvettes (e.g., MT200, RC300, RC350, RC650) and flow cells (FC100, MC100). Its microelectrode geometry minimizes diffusion boundary layer interference and ensures reliable measurements in viscous or particulate-laden suspensions. The system complies with ASTM D888-22 (Standard Test Methods for Dissolved Oxygen in Water) and ISO 5814:2012 (Water quality — Determination of dissolved oxygen — Electrochemical probe method). When used with validated protocols and calibrated against Winkler titration standards, it meets FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures when paired with audit-trail-enabled software configurations. All sensor components are CE-marked and RoHS-compliant.
Software & Data Management
The inO2 is supplied with proprietary Windows-based respirometry software compatible with Windows 95 through Windows 11 (32/64-bit). The application implements a three-phase workflow: Setup → Record → Analyze. During Setup, users define chamber volume, flow rate, temperature, electrode position, and biomass normalization parameters — all embedded in final reports. Recording supports multi-channel visualization (up to six simultaneous traces in 928-series configurations), real-time cursor placement, and automatic event logging. Analysis includes region-of-interest selection, slope-based respiration rate calculation (nmol O₂·min⁻¹·mg protein⁻¹), baseline correction, and export to CSV, Excel, Word, or statistical packages (e.g., GraphPad Prism, R). Raw data files retain full metadata (date/time, calibration history, sensor ID), satisfying GLP/GMP documentation requirements.
Applications
- Mitochondrial respiratory control ratio (RCR) assessment in isolated organelles
- Oxidative phosphorylation kinetics in permeabilized muscle fibers
- Hypoxia tolerance studies in primary neuronal cultures and stem cell derivatives
- Bacterial and yeast respiratory phenotyping under varying carbon sources
- Pharmacological screening of electron transport chain inhibitors (e.g., rotenone, antimycin A)
- Environmental DO monitoring in microcosm experiments and bioreactor effluent streams
- Validation of optical DO sensors and membrane-based biosensors
FAQ
Can the inO2 be used with non-Hansatech respirometers?
Yes — the analog BNC output and RS-232 protocol are fully documented and interoperable with third-party DAQ hardware and LabVIEW-based systems.
Is membrane replacement required before each experiment?
No — membranes are stable for ≥72 hours in continuous use; replacement is recommended after 5–10 experiments or if response time degrades beyond 15 seconds.
Does the software support automated calibration routines?
Yes — the software guides users through two-point (0% and 100% air-saturated) or three-point (including anaerobic zero) calibration with built-in validation metrics.
What is the minimum detectable oxygen concentration in unstirred samples?
In static conditions, the lower limit is ~0.5 ppm due to diffusion-limited current; stirring above 500 rpm restores full 0.1 ppm resolution.
Is the electrode suitable for long-term implantation or in vivo use?
No — the inO2 electrode is designed for in vitro and ex vivo applications only; it is not sterilizable or biocompatible for intravascular or tissue-embedded deployment.
