IKA Loopster Basic Rotational Mixer

Overview

The IKA Loopster Basic is a compact, robust rotational mixer engineered for precise, low-shear homogenization and resuspension of biological samples in laboratory settings. Unlike orbital or reciprocating shakers, the Loopster Basic operates on a controlled inversion principle—rotating sample vessels along a defined tilt axis between 0° and 90°—to generate gentle yet effective mixing through gravity-assisted tumbling. This mechanism minimizes foaming, cell damage, and particle aggregation, making it especially suitable for sensitive applications such as blood sample handling, reagent reconstitution, and powder-liquid dispersion in diagnostic and research workflows. Designed and manufactured in Staufen, Germany, the device complies with IEC 61010-1 safety standards and carries an IP21 ingress protection rating, ensuring reliable performance in standard laboratory environments with ambient humidity up to 80 % RH and temperatures ranging from 4 °C to 50 °C—enabling seamless integration into refrigerated incubators or climate-controlled rooms.

Key Features

• Fixed-speed precision operation: Delivers consistent 20 rpm rotation—optimized for reproducible suspension of particulates without vortexing or shear-induced degradation.
• Adjustable tilt geometry: Independent adjustment of rotation angle (0° to 90°) enables application-specific optimization—horizontal rotation for gentle mixing, vertical inversion for complete sediment resuspension.
• Modular, cleanable platform: Tool-free detachable accessories—including tube holders for Eppendorf (0.5–2.0 mL), Greiner (15–50 mL), and custom vial formats—facilitate rapid decontamination after spills or hazardous sample handling.
• Continuous-duty architecture: Rated for 100 % duty cycle under nominal load (≤2 kg including fixture), supporting unattended overnight protocols in QC, clinical, and academic labs.
• Compact footprint & stackable design: Minimal benchtop occupancy (300 × 360 × 300 mm) allows multi-unit deployment; units may be physically stacked only when fitted with optional stabilization kits (not included).
• International power compatibility: Auto-ranging 100–240 V AC input with internal 24 V DC conversion ensures stable operation across global voltage standards without external transformers.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Loopster Basic accommodates common single-use labware including polypropylene and polycarbonate tubes—validated for use with Eppendorf Safe-Lock, Greiner Bio-One PP tubes, and similar certified containers up to 50 mL volume. Its mechanical design avoids clamping forces that could deform thin-walled vessels, preserving seal integrity during extended mixing. While the unit itself lacks built-in temperature control, its operational envelope (4–50 °C) permits safe placement inside validated environmental chambers compliant with ISO 14644-1 (cleanroom classification) or CLIA-certified clinical storage units. The device conforms to DIN EN 60529 (IP21), IEC 61010-1:2010 (safety requirements for electrical equipment), and EU Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC). It supports GLP-aligned documentation practices through manual log entry of run parameters (time, angle, vessel type); however, it does not meet FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records due to absence of audit-trail-capable firmware.

Software & Data Management

The Loopster Basic is a hardware-only instrument with no embedded microcontroller, digital interface, or software dependency. All operational parameters—including tilt angle, runtime, and vessel configuration—are set manually via mechanical stops and physical positioning. Consequently, it generates no digital data stream, requires no driver installation, and introduces zero cybersecurity surface area—a critical advantage in air-gapped laboratories or facilities governed by strict IT governance policies (e.g., military medical labs, forensic biobanks). Users maintain full traceability through handwritten or LIMS-integrated procedural logs referencing batch numbers, operator ID, and observed mixing outcomes (e.g., “complete pellet resuspension achieved after 5 min at 75° tilt”). No firmware updates, calibration certificates, or cloud connectivity are applicable or available.

Applications

• Resuspension of lyophilized reagents and antibody pellets in molecular biology workflows
• Homogenization of whole blood, serum, or plasma prior to centrifugation or analysis (e.g., CBC, ELISA prep)
• Blending of viscous buffers containing glycerol or sucrose without introducing air bubbles
• Rehydration of dried-down nucleic acid samples in low-volume tubes
• Pre-analytical preparation of clinical specimens under ISO 15189-accredited quality systems
• QC testing of lateral flow assay components requiring uniform dispersion of colloidal gold conjugates

FAQ

Does the Loopster Basic include tube holders or clamps?
No—the listed price covers the base unit only. All accessories (e.g., Eppendorf rack, 50 mL tube holder, angled adapters) are optional and must be ordered separately using IKA’s standardized accessory catalog numbers.
Can the rotation speed be adjusted?
No—Loopster Basic operates exclusively at a fixed 20 rpm. For variable-speed control, consider the Loopster Pro series (IKA part nos. 00000000000000, 00000000000001), which incorporates digital speed regulation and timer functionality.
Is the device suitable for use inside a CO₂ incubator?
It may be placed inside non-humidified incubators operating within 4–50 °C, but condensation risk and material compatibility (e.g., gasket swelling) must be verified per incubator manufacturer guidelines. IKA does not validate or warrant performance under elevated CO₂ or high-humidity conditions.
What maintenance is required?
Routine cleaning of the platform and removable fixtures with 70 % ethanol or isopropanol; periodic inspection of tilt-axis bearings for smooth motion; no lubrication or recalibration is needed during normal service life.
How is overload or fault condition indicated?
The unit features a basic LED error code display (e.g., E1 = motor stall, E2 = power anomaly), documented in the multilingual quick-start guide shipped with each unit. No remote diagnostics or audible alarms are implemented.