DRETOP ZYL.CP-5036 CO₂ Incubator Shaker

Overview

The DRETOP ZYL.CP-5036 CO₂ Incubator Shaker is an integrated benchtop bioreactor platform engineered for simultaneous control of temperature, CO₂ concentration, and orbital shaking—enabling reproducible cultivation of sensitive mammalian cells, hybridomas, stem cells, and suspension cultures under physiologically relevant conditions. Unlike conventional incubators or standalone shakers, this system employs a dual-chamber architecture combining a sealed CO₂ incubation environment with precision-controlled mechanical agitation. Its core operation relies on infrared (IR) CO₂ sensing for real-time gas feedback, coupled with PID-regulated heating and brushless DC motor-driven eccentric motion (26 mm orbit) to maintain laminar, low-shear fluid dynamics essential for cell viability and metabolic consistency. Designed for GLP-compliant laboratories, the unit meets structural and functional benchmarks aligned with ISO 13485 design controls and supports audit-ready documentation when paired with optional USB data logging.

Key Features

• Integrated CO₂ incubation and orbital shaking in a single compact footprint—eliminating cross-contamination risks from external gas lines or transfer steps.
• Infrared CO₂ sensor with <0.1% full-scale accuracy and response time <60 seconds, ensuring stable gas setpoint maintenance across 0–20% range.
• High-efficiency microbial filter (≥99.99% retention of ≥0.3 µm particles) installed at CO₂ inlet, certified per ISO 14644-1 Class 5 cleanroom standards.
• Dual stainless-steel shaking platforms (500 × 360 mm each), independently accessible via front-loading double-door configuration for staggered loading/unloading without disturbing active cultures.
• Brushless DC motor with closed-loop speed regulation—maintains ±1 rpm stability across 0–300 rpm range, independent of load mass or viscosity changes.
• Soft-start three-dimensional eccentric drive mechanism minimizes initial shear stress, preventing cell pellet disruption and media splashing during acceleration.
• Backlit LCD interface with password-protected parameter encryption, real-time clock, and automatic resume function after power interruption.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ZYL.CP-5036 accommodates standard culture vessels including T-flasks (up to 225 cm²), roller bottles, deep-well plates (96-/384-well), and Erlenmeyer flasks (50–2000 mL) using interchangeable clamping systems (fixed bottle holders, universal spring clips, and custom-fit racks). Internal chamber dimensions (570 × 460 × 870 mm) support high-density vessel arrangement while maintaining uniform CO₂ distribution—validated via ASTM E2912-13 spatial mapping protocols. The unit complies with IEC 61010-1 safety requirements for laboratory equipment and incorporates fail-safe thermal cutoffs meeting UL 61010-1 Category B2. For regulated environments, optional USB data export enables traceability aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when used with validated software.

Software & Data Management

While the base model operates via embedded microcontroller with non-volatile memory for up to 10 user-defined protocols, the optional USB interface enables direct download of time-stamped logs (temperature, CO₂ %, rpm, elapsed time) in CSV format. Data files include operator ID fields, session timestamps, and deviation flags—supporting root cause analysis during QC investigations. When deployed in GMP facilities, the system interfaces with LIMS platforms via serial RS-232 (optional adapter) for automated batch record generation. All firmware updates are performed offline via secure encrypted hex file upload, preserving calibration integrity and eliminating network exposure.

Applications

This instrument serves critical roles in upstream bioprocessing development, including transient transfection optimization, monoclonal antibody titer enhancement, and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) expansion under hypoxic-mimetic CO₂ conditions. It is routinely employed in academic virology labs for influenza A propagation in MDCK cells, in toxicology studies requiring continuous exposure of HepG2 spheroids to airborne compounds, and in environmental microbiology for aerobic degradation assays of hydrocarbon contaminants. Its dual-platform design allows parallel testing of two distinct experimental conditions—e.g., comparing normoxic vs. hypercapnic responses—or staggered harvest scheduling without interrupting ongoing runs.

FAQ

What CO₂ concentration accuracy can be expected over extended operation?
The IR sensor maintains ±0.2% deviation over 72-hour continuous operation at 5% CO₂, verified by NIST-traceable gas chromatography calibration.
Is the chamber humidity controlled?
No—this model does not include active humidification; users should pre-humidify media or use sealed vessels to minimize evaporation at elevated temperatures.
Can the shaker operate without CO₂ supply?
Yes—the unit functions as a standard incubator shaker with ambient air exchange when CO₂ is disconnected; CO₂ control circuitry remains inactive but does not impair thermal or mechanical performance.
What validation documentation is provided?
Factory-issued IQ/OQ protocols, temperature uniformity maps (per ISO 13485 Annex C), and CO₂ sensor calibration certificates are included with each shipment.
Are replacement parts available globally?
Yes—DRETOP maintains regional spare parts hubs in Rotterdam, Chicago, and Singapore; IR sensors, filters, and platform assemblies ship within 5 business days under standard terms.