IKA HABITAT Laboratory Bioreactor
| Brand | IKA |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | HABITAT |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 224 × 624 × 405 mm |
| Stirring Speed Range | 1–2200 rpm |
| Peristaltic Pump Heads | 4 (acid, base, antifoam, level) |
| Pump Flow Rate | 1–270 mL/min |
| Gas Flow Rate | 0–2 L/min (CELL/CCT) |
| Mass Flow Controllers (MFCs) | 4 (Air, O₂, N₂, CO₂) |
| Controlled Parameters | Agitation, Aeration, Liquid Feed, Off-gas Analysis, Temperature, pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Foam, Level, Conductivity, CO₂, Turbidity, Light |
| Interfaces | USB, RS-232, Ethernet, SU Connection, Chiller Interface, External Pump Control, 4–20 mA Analog I/O |
Overview
The IKA HABITAT Laboratory Bioreactor is a modular, benchtop-scale bioprocessing platform engineered for precision control and operational flexibility in microbial, mammalian, and photosynthetic culture workflows. Based on the Couette-type stirred-tank reactor principle, it integrates real-time monitoring and closed-loop regulation of critical bioprocess parameters—including temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), foam, liquid level, conductivity, off-gas composition (O₂/CO₂), turbidity, and light intensity—within a single, compact unit. Designed and manufactured in Germany, the HABITAT adheres to ISO 9001-certified production standards and supports compliance with GLP and GMP-aligned laboratory practices. Its architecture enables seamless transition between standard fermentation (e.g., E. coli, S. cerevisiae) and photobioreactor configurations via optional light panels—making it uniquely suited for algae, cyanobacteria, and plant cell culture applications requiring controlled irradiance.
Key Features
- Human-Centered Design: Integrated tank lid support arm eliminates manual handling of heavy lids during setup and sterilization; motor and sensor modules mount directly to the arm, ensuring consistent alignment and mechanical protection.
- Chaotic Mixing Mode: A proprietary agitation algorithm based on chaotic dynamics theory enhances mixing homogeneity—particularly beneficial for shear-sensitive cells and heterogeneous suspensions—without increasing energy input or impeller tip speed.
- Modular Sensor Integration: All lid-mounted sensors—including pH, DO, temperature, conductivity, optical density, and gas analyzers—are autoclavable (121 °C, 20 min), enabling full-system sterilization without disassembly.
- Scalable Gas Management: Dual-configurable mass flow control: standard CELL/CCT variants support up to 2 L/min total gas flow; FERMENT/CCT variants extend capacity to 20 L/min with independent MFCs for Air, O₂, N₂, and CO₂—enabling precise respiratory quotient (RQ) control and hypoxic/anoxic condition studies.
- Flexible Drive Architecture: Motor sizing is proportionally matched to vessel working volume—ensuring optimal torque delivery across the full 1–2200 rpm range and minimizing thermal drift during extended high-speed operation.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The HABITAT accommodates sterile cultivation of bacteria, yeasts, filamentous fungi, insect and mammalian suspension cells, microalgae (e.g., Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, Phaeodactylum tricornutum), and cyanobacteria (Synechocystis sp.). Vessel materials comply with USP Class VI biocompatibility requirements; all wetted parts are constructed from borosilicate glass (Duran®) and FDA-compliant silicone or EPDM tubing. The system supports validation documentation packages aligned with ISO 13485 and ASTM E2500-07 guidelines. When operated with audit-trail-enabled software (e.g., IKA LabWorldsoft), it meets data integrity requirements under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for electronic records and signatures.
Software & Data Management
Control and data acquisition are managed via IKA LabWorldsoft—a PC-based application supporting multi-parameter PID regulation, recipe-driven process sequencing, and real-time trend visualization. The software logs all setpoints, measured values, actuator outputs, and alarm events with timestamped metadata. Export formats include CSV, PDF, and XML for integration into LIMS or ELN systems. Communication protocols include Modbus TCP, OPC UA, and native Ethernet/IP support—facilitating connection to higher-level MES or SCADA environments. All configuration changes trigger automatic versioning and user-authenticated audit trails.
Applications
- Process development for recombinant protein expression in E. coli and CHO cells
- Optimization of microalgal biomass and lipid production under variable light/dark cycles
- DO-pH cascade control studies in aerobic batch and fed-batch cultivations
- Off-gas analysis–based metabolic flux estimation using online O₂/CO₂ sensors
- Scale-down modeling of industrial bioreactors (10–1000 L) for QbD implementation
- Photobioreactor screening for pigment synthesis (astaxanthin, β-carotene) and hydrogen evolution
FAQ
Is the HABITAT compatible with single-use vessels?
No—the HABITAT is designed exclusively for reusable, autoclavable glass vessels. Single-use bag integration is not supported.
Can the Chaotic Mixing mode be used with all impeller types?
Yes; Chaotic Mode is fully compatible with the standard 6-blade Rushton, 3-blade hydrofoil, and surface-aerating impellers—each optimized for specific rheological regimes and cell types.
What sterilization protocols are validated for the sensor suite?
All integrated sensors (pH, DO, temperature, conductivity, optical) are validated for steam sterilization at 121 °C for 20 minutes in accordance with EN 285:2015.
Does the system support remote monitoring over institutional networks?
Yes; Ethernet connectivity enables secure remote access via VLAN-segmented lab networks, with TLS 1.2 encryption for data transmission and role-based user authentication.
Are regulatory templates available for IQ/OQ/PQ documentation?
IKA provides standardized qualification protocol templates compliant with EU Annex 15 and ASTM E2500-07, including test scripts, acceptance criteria, and traceability matrices for installation, operational, and performance qualification.
