Benchmark INCU-SHAKER Mini CO₂ Incubated Orbital Shaker

Overview

The Benchmark INCU-SHAKER Mini CO₂ is a compact, integrated incubated orbital shaker engineered for precise, reproducible suspension and adherent cell culture under controlled CO₂, temperature, and agitation conditions. It employs a dual-infrared, dual-beam CO₂ sensing system for rapid, drift-free gas concentration monitoring and feedback-controlled regulation—critical for maintaining physiological pH in bicarbonate-buffered media. Temperature control is achieved via six-sided direct-heating architecture, eliminating thermal gradients across the chamber and ensuring uniformity of ±0.5°C throughout the working volume. The unit operates on the principle of orbital motion (19 mm diameter), generating gentle yet effective mixing ideal for mammalian, insect, and microbial cultures without shear-induced damage. Its sealed, double-glazed front door minimizes heat and CO₂ loss during observation, while anti-condensation heating maintains optical clarity—enabling real-time, non-invasive monitoring of culture status.

Key Features

• Six-face direct heating system ensures exceptional thermal uniformity (±0.5°C) and stability (±0.1°C at 37°C), validated per ISO 13485-aligned internal protocols
• Dual-beam infrared CO₂ sensor with <15-second response time and ±0.1% accuracy across 0–20% range, supporting long-term culture integrity
• 30–300 rpm speed control in 1 rpm increments, programmable timer from 1 minute to 48 hours (or continuous mode)
• Electropolished 316 stainless steel interior with radius-rounded corners for seamless cleaning and compliance with GLP laboratory hygiene standards
• Patented MAGic magnetic platform interface enables tool-free attachment of flasks, tubes, and microplates—compatible with optional fixtures including H1000-MR series clamps
• Adjustable, full-extension stainless steel shelf supports both suspension cultures (e.g., spinner flasks) and adherent cultures (e.g., T-flasks, cell factories); shelf height and position are fully configurable
• Transparent heated glass door prevents condensation, preserves sterility, and reduces energy consumption by up to 22% versus conventional single-pane designs

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The INCU-SHAKER Mini CO₂ accommodates standard labware including Erlenmeyer flasks (50–1000 mL), conical tubes (15–50 mL), 96-well microplates, and angled or vertical tube racks. Its chamber geometry (33.5 × 26 × 39.2 cm) allows simultaneous processing of up to twelve 125 mL flasks or four stacked microplates. All materials contacting the interior—including gaskets, shelf surfaces, and sensor housings—meet USP Class VI biocompatibility requirements. The system supports audit-ready operation under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with compliant LIMS or ELN software, and its temperature and CO₂ logs include timestamped, user-identifiable entries with write-protection capability. It conforms to IEC 61010-1 for safety and EN 61326-1 for electromagnetic compatibility.

Software & Data Management

While the device features an intuitive front-panel interface with rotary encoder and LCD display, it integrates seamlessly with Benchmark’s optional LabLink™ PC software (sold separately) for remote parameter setting, real-time graphing of temperature/CO₂ profiles, and automated data export in CSV or PDF formats. All operational events—including door openings, setpoint changes, alarm triggers, and calibration actions—are recorded with ISO/IEC 17025-compliant metadata (user ID, timestamp, parameter values). Audit trails are immutable and exportable for regulatory submissions. Optional CO₂ regulator (H2300-REG) provides external gas source management with pressure-compensated mass flow control, suitable for facility-wide CO₂ distribution networks.

Applications

• Mammalian cell expansion for bioproduction (CHO, HEK293, hybridoma) in serum-free or chemically defined media
• Insect cell culture (Sf9, Sf21) for baculovirus expression systems
• Stem cell maintenance and differentiation under low-oxygen priming conditions (when used with optional O₂ module)
• Microbial fermentation optimization (E. coli, Pichia pastoris) requiring precise pH control via CO₂-mediated buffering
• High-throughput assay development using suspended reporter cells in 96-well plates
• Adherent cell passaging in T-25/T-75 flasks with minimal handling-induced stress

FAQ

Does the INCU-SHAKER Mini CO₂ support humidification?
No—this model does not include active humidification. For applications requiring >85% RH, users should employ sealed culture vessels with internal humidity buffers (e.g., sodium carbonate/bicarbonate equilibration) or integrate external humidified CO₂ supply lines.
Can it operate at 5% CO₂ and 37°C continuously for 72+ hours?
Yes—validated for uninterrupted operation at 5% CO₂ and 37°C for ≥120 hours with ≤0.08% CO₂ drift and ≤0.05°C temperature deviation, per factory performance certification.
Is the MAGic magnetic platform compatible with non-Benchmark consumables?
MAGic fixtures require ferromagnetic base plates; most standard borosilicate glass and PETG flasks lack sufficient magnetic coupling. Use only Benchmark-certified H1000-MR series accessories for guaranteed retention force (>25 N at 300 rpm).
What calibration documentation is provided?
Each unit ships with NIST-traceable temperature and CO₂ calibration certificates, including as-found/as-left data, uncertainty budgets, and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation statements from Benchmark’s A2LA-accredited metrology lab.
Is firmware upgradeable in the field?
Yes—firmware updates are delivered via USB drive and retain all user settings; update logs are appended to the system audit trail with version stamp and checksum verification.