Analytik Jena BioShake XP/iQ Constant-Temperature Orbital Shaker Incubator

Overview

The Analytik Jena BioShake XP and iQ are precision-engineered constant-temperature orbital shaker incubators designed for reproducible thermal agitation of biological and biochemical samples in microplates, tubes, and specialized vessels. Operating on the principle of controlled orbital motion—where platform rotation generates gentle yet effective mixing without vortexing or splashing—the BioShake series integrates Peltier-based heating with high-resolution digital temperature regulation to maintain stable, uniform thermal environments across the entire sample zone. Unlike conventional water baths or dry-block heaters, the BioShake combines active temperature control with programmable shaking in a single compact footprint, eliminating the need for external shakers or separate incubation units. This integration supports time-critical workflows such as enzyme kinetics, cell culture pre-incubation, immunoassay plate washing, PCR setup, and solubility testing where both thermal equilibration and homogenous mixing must occur simultaneously and independently.

Key Features

• 3D Orbital Motion Control: Precisely calibrated eccentric drive mechanism delivers consistent 2 mm amplitude across the full speed range (200–3000 rpm for microplates; 200–1800 rpm for tubes), minimizing cross-contamination risk and preventing sample spillage even at maximum velocity.
• High-Fidelity Thermal Regulation: Peltier-based heating system achieves ±0.1 °C accuracy and ±0.5 °C uniformity across the platform surface, with rapid ramp rates (~7 °C/min) enabling efficient transition between assay conditions.
• Modular Sample Platform System: Supports over 14 interchangeable aluminum alloy sample carriers—including 96-well PCR plates, 384-well formats, deep-well plates (500–1000 µL), cryovial racks (0.2–2.0 mL), and glass tube holders (12–15 mm diameter)—all engineered with precise thermal coupling and mechanical stability.
• Dual-Mode Operation: Offers both timed and continuous operation modes; built-in acoustic alert signals program completion, while real-time display shows elapsed time in minutes:seconds format.
• Robust Industrial Design: Anodized aluminum housing provides electromagnetic shielding, chemical resistance, and structural rigidity; sealed electronics compartment prevents ingress from accidental spills, ensuring long-term reliability under routine lab use.
• Onboard Protocol Memory: Stores two user-defined multi-step programs (each supporting up to three sequential segments with independent temp/speed/time settings), reducing manual reconfiguration during repetitive assays.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The BioShake XP/iQ accommodates standard ANSI/SLAS-compliant microplates (including skirted, semi-skirted, and low-profile variants), conical and round-bottom centrifuge tubes (0.2–4.0 mL), PCR strips, and custom-format vessels via application-specific carriers. All sample carriers are CNC-machined from solid aluminum for optimal thermal conductivity and dimensional repeatability. The device meets IEC 61010-1:2010 safety requirements for laboratory electrical equipment and is CE-marked for conformity with EU electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and low-voltage directives. While not certified for GMP production environments, its stable performance, traceable calibration capability, and programmable audit trail support GLP-compliant documentation when used in regulated research settings (e.g., preclinical assay development per OECD guidelines).

Software & Data Management

The BioShake XP and iQ operate autonomously via front-panel controls and do not require PC connectivity for basic operation. However, optional RS232 or USB interfaces (available on select configurations) enable remote command execution and logging of operational parameters—including actual temperature, setpoint, speed, and elapsed time—for integration into LIMS or ELN systems. When connected, the instrument supports ASCII-based command protocols compliant with common serial communication standards, facilitating automated script-driven workflows. All internal timers and protocols retain settings after power cycling, and no proprietary software installation is required for routine use—aligning with IT security policies in regulated institutions.

Applications

• Pre-incubation of ELISA, Western blot, and lateral flow assay plates prior to detection
• Thermal activation of restriction enzymes and ligases in molecular biology workflows
• Solubility and dissolution profiling of small-molecule compounds under controlled agitation
• Cell suspension maintenance during transient transfection or viability assays
• Hybridization enhancement in nucleic acid capture protocols (e.g., bead-based RNA pull-down)
• Standardization of bacterial growth curves in microtiter-based antimicrobial susceptibility testing
• Accelerated stability studies requiring simultaneous temperature and mixing control

FAQ

Does the BioShake support cooling functionality?
No—the XP and iQ models are heating-only devices. For active cooling, consider the BioShake XT series or complementary refrigerated incubators.
Can I use non-Analytik Jena sample carriers?
Only certified carriers are thermally and mechanically validated for use; third-party adapters may compromise temperature uniformity or cause resonance-induced instability.
Is the timer resolution truly 1 minute across the full 99-hour range?
Yes—time input is accepted in whole-minute increments, and the display shows remaining/elapsed time in mm:ss format during countdown or run mode.
How is temperature uniformity verified across the platform?
Uniformity is measured per ISO 17025-accredited internal validation protocol using nine-point NIST-traceable PT100 probes placed at defined positions on the carrier surface.
What maintenance is required for long-term performance?
Routine cleaning of the anodized surface with 70% ethanol and periodic inspection of carrier seating alignment are sufficient; no lubrication or recalibration is needed under normal operating conditions.