DRETOP ZYL.GC-5036 Illuminated Humidity-Controlled Orbital Shaker

Overview

The DRETOP ZYL.GC-5036 Illuminated Humidity-Controlled Orbital Shaker is an integrated environmental incubation platform engineered for precise, reproducible cultivation of photobiological and moisture-sensitive samples under dynamically controlled conditions. Combining orbital shaking, temperature regulation, programmable illumination, and active humidity control within a single compact footprint, this instrument enables simultaneous modulation of four critical environmental parameters—temperature, agitation intensity, light intensity/duration, and relative humidity—thereby supporting advanced experimental protocols in plant physiology, algal biotechnology, fungal fermentation, circadian rhythm studies, and aerobic microbial culture where ambient moisture or photoperiod significantly influences metabolic output. The device operates on the principle of controlled orbital motion (26 mm diameter), delivering uniform shear stress and oxygen transfer across flask-based cultures while maintaining thermal and hygric stability via PID-regulated heating elements, ultrasonic humidification, and high-efficiency LED lighting optimized for photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) spectra.

Key Features

• Microprocessor-based PID control system with independent feedback loops for temperature (±0.1°C accuracy), speed (±1 rpm stability), and humidity (20–95% RH, ±3% RH typical repeatability), all continuously displayed on a backlit LCD interface.
• Dual-platform design: Two independently accessible stainless-steel shaking trays (500 × 360 mm each), each accommodating standard Erlenmeyer flasks (e.g., 250 mL × 24 per tray) or custom fixtures—enabling parallel experiments with differentiated conditions.
• Programmable illumination module: Top-mounted, cool-running biological LED array with six-level intensity adjustment (0–6000 lx), capable of 1–24 segment diurnal cycling to simulate natural photoperiods or induce light-dependent gene expression.
• Integrated humidification system: Ultrasonic mist generator with adjustable output and condensate recovery reservoir, ensuring stable RH without introducing liquid water into the chamber or compromising sterility.
• Three-dimensional eccentric cam drive mechanism with ramped acceleration profile minimizes sample splashing during startup/shutdown and ensures mechanical longevity over >20,000 operational hours.
• DC brushless motor: Maintenance-free operation with constant torque delivery across full speed range (0–300 rpm); electromagnetic interference (EMI)-shielded to prevent signal noise in adjacent analytical instrumentation.
• Safety architecture includes over-temperature cutoff, overspeed shutdown, door-open interlock, timed auto-stop, power-failure recovery, and parameter encryption to preserve method integrity in regulated laboratories.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ZYL.GC-5036 accommodates standard laboratory vessels including glass and PETG Erlenmeyer flasks (50–2000 mL), test tube racks, microplate carriers, and custom bioreactor inserts. Its stainless-steel interior (AISI 304), seamless chamber construction, and optional UV-C sterilization kit (254 nm, 15 W) support aseptic technique and routine decontamination per ISO 14644-1 Class 7 cleanroom maintenance standards. While not certified for IEC 61010-1 Class II medical device use, the unit complies with CE marking requirements for laboratory equipment (EN 61326-1:2013 for EMC; EN 61010-1:2010 for safety) and is routinely deployed in facilities adhering to GLP (OECD Principles) and GMP (ICH Q5C, USP ) frameworks. Optional USB data export supports 21 CFR Part 11–compliant electronic records when paired with validated software.

Software & Data Management

The embedded controller logs time-stamped temperature, humidity, speed, and illumination status at user-defined intervals (1 s to 60 min). Raw data exports as CSV via USB 2.0 port for post-acquisition analysis in MATLAB, Python (Pandas), or Excel. No proprietary software installation is required; however, optional DRETOP LabLink™ firmware upgrade enables remote monitoring via Ethernet/Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11n), email alerting on deviation events, and integration into LIMS via Modbus TCP. Audit trail functionality—including operator ID tagging, parameter change history, and session timestamps—is available with password-protected administrator mode.

Applications

• Phototrophic cultivation of microalgae (Chlorella, Spirulina) and cyanobacteria under controlled PAR and RH gradients.
• Circadian entrainment studies in Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings and other model plants using multi-phase light/dark programming.
• Humidity-dependent fungal sporulation assays (e.g., Aspergillus spp.) and mycelial biomass optimization.
• Enzyme kinetics experiments requiring simultaneous agitation and moisture stabilization (e.g., lipase activity in non-aqueous media).
• Biodegradation screening of polymers under elevated RH and dynamic aeration conditions.
• Preclinical cell-based assays involving primary keratinocytes or airway epithelial cells sensitive to desiccation stress.

FAQ

Does the ZYL.GC-5036 support CO₂ supplementation?
No—this model does not include CO₂ gas inlet, sensor, or regulation hardware. For combined CO₂ + shaking applications, consider the DRETOP ZYL.CP-5036 series.
Can humidity be disabled while retaining temperature and shaking control?
Yes—the humidification subsystem can be deactivated independently via the control menu, allowing use as a standard illuminated orbital shaker.
Is the lighting spectrum tunable (e.g., red/blue ratio)?
No—the built-in LED array emits broad-spectrum white light optimized for general photobiology; spectral customization requires external lamp systems.
What is the maximum load capacity per tray?
Each tray supports up to 12 kg evenly distributed mass (e.g., eight 2-L flasks at 50% fill level), verified per ISO 8570:2017 vibration endurance testing.
Are calibration certificates traceable to NIST or equivalent national standards?
Factory calibration reports are provided; NIST-traceable third-party certification is available upon request (additional lead time and fee apply).