DRETOP ZYC.GC-301L Illuminated Constant-Temperature Orbital Shaker

Overview

The DRETOP ZYC.GC-301L Illuminated Constant-Temperature Orbital Shaker is an integrated incubation and agitation platform engineered for precision cultivation of photobiological samples under tightly controlled thermal and mechanical conditions. It employs orbital shaking (26 mm diameter) combined with uniform, spectrally optimized illumination and P.I.D-regulated temperature control (RT+5°C to 60°C) to support reproducible growth kinetics in light-sensitive cultures—including cyanobacteria, microalgae, plant cell suspensions, and light-dependent recombinant expression systems. Unlike conventional shakers, the ZYC.GC-301L integrates a dedicated biological LED light source with six discrete intensity levels and minimal radiant heat output—ensuring stable thermal environment integrity while delivering photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) without infrared interference. Its single-platform architecture features a stainless steel chamber, wide-range frequency control (40–300 rpm), and a backlit LCD interface capable of storing up to 24 programmable time-segmented cycles—each independently defining temperature setpoints, illumination intensity, and oscillation parameters.

Key Features

• Microprocessor-based P.I.D temperature controller with 0.1°C resolution and ±1°C uniformity across the platform surface
• DC brushless motor drive ensuring constant torque, low vibration, zero maintenance, and precise speed regulation (±1 rpm repeatability)
• Soft-start acceleration profile minimizes sample splashing during initiation and deceleration phases
• Programmable multi-stage operation: up to 24 user-defined segments per cycle, each specifying temperature, light intensity, rotation speed, and duration
• Integrated top-mounted LED illumination system with spectral output optimized for chlorophyll absorption peaks (450 nm and 660 nm dominant); intensity adjustable in six discrete steps
• Robust mechanical construction: 304 stainless steel interior chamber, reinforced glass observation window, and powder-coated steel housing
• Comprehensive safety suite including over-temperature cutoff, over-speed shutdown, automatic restart after power interruption, and encrypted parameter lockout
• USB data interface enabling timestamped logging of temperature, speed, illumination status, and runtime—exportable as CSV or graphical plots via standard PC software

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ZYC.GC-301L accommodates standard laboratory vessels—including Erlenmeyer flasks (250 mL to 3000 mL), test tubes, microtiter plates, and custom bioreactor bags—via interchangeable mounting fixtures (spring clamps, fixed brackets, and universal racks). Its chamber design supports simultaneous incubation of heterogeneous sample sets under identical environmental conditions. From a regulatory standpoint, the instrument is engineered to align with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) documentation requirements: all operational parameters are traceable via timestamped USB logs, and the system retains configuration history across power cycles. While not certified to FDA 21 CFR Part 11 out-of-the-box, its parameter memory, audit trail capability, and password-protected settings provide a foundational architecture for validation in GMP-adjacent R&D environments. It complies with IEC 61010-1 for electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) per EN 61326-1.

Software & Data Management

The embedded control firmware supports real-time display and storage of temperature, rotational speed, illumination status, and elapsed time on the LCD panel. All operational events—including setpoint changes, alarms, and mode transitions—are logged internally and retrievable via USB connection. No proprietary software is required: exported CSV files are natively compatible with Excel, MATLAB, Python (pandas), and LIMS platforms. Optional firmware upgrades may extend functionality to include remote monitoring via Ethernet or Wi-Fi modules (not standard). For laboratories requiring electronic record integrity, the device supports manual annotation of experiment IDs and operator initials prior to run initiation—facilitating alignment with ALCOA+ data governance principles.

Applications

• Phototrophic microbial cultivation (e.g., Synechocystis, Chlamydomonas) under diurnal light/dark cycling
• Light-induced protein expression in engineered E. coli or yeast strains using optogenetic promoters
• Plant tissue culture and callus proliferation under controlled irradiance
• Algal biomass production studies evaluating growth rate vs. photon flux density
• Enzyme kinetics assays requiring simultaneous agitation and photoactivation
• Environmental simulation experiments assessing pollutant degradation under solar-spectrum illumination

FAQ

Does the ZYC.GC-301L include refrigeration capability?
No—the ZYC.GC-301L operates in heating-only mode (RT+5°C to 60°C). Refrigerated variants are designated with the “R” suffix (e.g., ZYC.GC-301LR) and utilize compressor-based cooling.
Can multiple ZYC.GC-301L units be stacked vertically?
No—this model is a single-tier unit. Stacking functionality is available only in the XC-series (e.g., XC2-9, XC3-35) and requires optional interlocking frames and independent power routing.
Is CO₂ control supported on this model?
No—CO₂ integration is exclusive to the ZYC.CP-301L series, which includes IR-based CO₂ sensing, gas inlet filtration, and concentration regulation (0–20% v/v).
What illumination spectrum does the built-in LED provide?
The LED array emits broad-spectrum white light enriched at 450 nm (blue) and 660 nm (red), closely matching photosynthetic action spectra; peak irradiance is ~200 µmol/m²/s at maximum setting, measured at platform surface.
Can the shaker operate without illumination while maintaining temperature control?
Yes—illumination, temperature, and agitation can be independently enabled or disabled via the control interface, supporting dark-control experiments or thermal-only stress assays.