Hanuo LF-I Molecular Hybridization Instrument
| Brand | Hanuo |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shanghai, China |
| Model | LF-I |
| Instrument Type | Nucleic Acid Molecular Hybridization Instrument |
| Temperature Range | Room Temperature +5°C to 100°C |
| Temperature Accuracy | ±0.5°C |
| Temperature Uniformity | ±3% |
| Temperature Resolution | 0.1°C |
| Temperature Equilibration Time | <20 min |
| Rotation Speed | 6.5 ± 0.5 rpm |
| Hybridization Tube Capacity | Ø35 × 220 mm |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 420 × 380 × 380 mm |
| Power Supply | 220 VAC, 50 Hz |
| Power Consumption | <600 VA |
Overview
The Hanuo LF-I Molecular Hybridization Instrument is a benchtop, microprocessor-controlled hybridization system engineered for reproducible and precise nucleic acid hybridization under controlled thermal and mechanical conditions. It operates on the fundamental principle of nucleic acid annealing—where complementary DNA or RNA strands form stable duplexes through hydrogen bonding—under optimized temperature, time, and agitation parameters. Designed for consistency across low- to medium-throughput molecular biology workflows, the LF-I supports both membrane-based (e.g., nylon or nitrocellulose) and solution-phase hybridizations, including Southern, Northern, and colony/plaque lift assays. Its integrated rotational motion ensures uniform reagent distribution and minimizes probe depletion at solid-phase interfaces, thereby enhancing signal-to-noise ratio and hybridization efficiency. The instrument is not intended for real-time PCR or sequencing applications but serves as a critical post-amplification processing tool in diagnostic and research laboratories performing qualitative or semi-quantitative nucleic acid detection.
Key Features
- Intelligent digital PID temperature control with ±0.5°C accuracy and <20-minute thermal equilibration time across the full operating range (RT +5°C to 100°C)
- Programmable slow-speed rotation at 6.5 ± 0.5 rpm to maintain consistent buffer contact with membranes or filters without shear-induced damage
- High-resolution temperature display (0.1°C) with real-time monitoring and non-volatile setpoint memory
- Robust aluminum alloy chamber with insulated housing for stable thermal performance and energy efficiency (<600 VA max power draw)
- Compact footprint (420 × 380 × 380 mm) suitable for standard biosafety cabinets or laminar flow hoods
- Compatible with standard hybridization tubes (Ø35 × 220 mm), enabling use with commercial hybridization bags, roller bottles, or custom glassware
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The LF-I accommodates standard nucleic acid immobilization substrates—including nitrocellulose, nylon, and PVDF membranes—as well as glass slides and microtiter plates when used with appropriate adapters. It supports hybridization protocols compliant with ISO/IEC 17025–accredited testing environments and aligns with common CLIA and CAP pre-analytical requirements for nucleic acid assay reproducibility. While the instrument itself does not carry CE IVD or FDA 510(k) clearance, its operational parameters meet foundational thermal stability criteria referenced in ASTM E2912–22 (Standard Guide for Thermal Validation of Hybridization Equipment) and support GLP-compliant documentation when paired with external logging systems. No internal data storage or audit trail functionality is provided; users are advised to record run parameters manually or via external environmental monitors.
Software & Data Management
The LF-I operates via a dedicated front-panel interface with tactile push-button controls and an LED display—no external computer, USB connection, or proprietary software is required or supported. All settings (temperature setpoint, duration, rotation activation) are retained in non-volatile memory after power cycling. For laboratories requiring electronic recordkeeping, integration with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) must be achieved externally using validated third-party data loggers or environmental monitoring platforms. The device does not implement FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic signatures, audit trails, or user access controls; therefore, it is classified as a standalone ancillary instrument within regulated workflows.
Applications
- Southern and Northern blot hybridization for gene expression profiling and genomic rearrangement analysis
- Colony and plaque lift screening in library construction and clone verification
- Probe-based detection of viral (e.g., HBV, HPV, SARS-CoV-2) and bacterial (e.g., Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Chlamydia trachomatis) nucleic acids in clinical diagnostics
- Antibody-antigen co-incubation in ELISA-based hybrid assays where thermal incubation enhances binding kinetics
- Pre-hybridization and post-hybridization wash steps requiring precise temperature ramping and agitation
- Validation of hybridization stringency conditions during assay development per CLSI MM19-A guidelines
FAQ
Does the LF-I support programmable multi-step temperature profiles?
No. The LF-I maintains a single user-defined temperature setpoint throughout the run duration. Gradient or stepwise thermal protocols require manual intervention or external controllers.
Can the instrument accommodate microarray slides?
Yes—with optional slide holders or custom jigs, though no OEM accessories are supplied. Users must validate slide retention and thermal uniformity independently.
Is the rotation speed adjustable?
No. Rotation is fixed at 6.5 ± 0.5 rpm to ensure compatibility with standard hybridization tube geometry and buffer viscosity ranges.
What safety certifications does the LF-I carry?
It complies with GB 4793.1–2019 (Chinese safety standard for electrical equipment in laboratories) and meets basic IEC 61010–1 insulation and leakage current requirements. CE marking is not affixed.
How is calibration verified?
Users should perform periodic verification using traceable NIST-calibrated thermometers placed inside representative hybridization tubes under operating conditions. A calibration certificate is not included with shipment.
