RADOBIO Herotherm 170R Biochemical Incubator

Overview

The RADOBIO Herotherm 170R Biochemical Incubator is a precision-engineered, refrigerated laboratory incubator designed for stable, long-term temperature-controlled cultivation of microorganisms, cell cultures, and biological samples under strictly defined environmental conditions. Built upon a robust thermal architecture featuring a high-efficiency imported compressor and low-noise axial circulation fan, the system achieves rapid cooling—up to 40% faster than conventional low-temperature incubators—while maintaining energy efficiency and operational longevity. Its temperature control range spans from 4°C (enabling cold-adapted microbial maintenance and reagent storage compatibility) to 60°C (supporting thermophilic culture and accelerated stability testing), making it suitable for applications aligned with ICH Q1A guidelines for pharmaceutical stability studies, as well as food, cosmetic, and environmental sample incubation per ISO 20987, ASTM D5210, and USP /. The chamber employs forced-air convection with optimized airflow distribution to ensure minimal thermal stratification and high spatial repeatability across the full working volume.

Key Features

• Precision PID temperature regulation with 0.1°C setting resolution and ±0.5°C uniformity at 37°C—validated under controlled calibration conditions per ISO/IEC 17025-accredited protocols
• Dual-pane safety glass door with hermetically sealed air gap, delivering superior thermal insulation and minimizing condensation during low-temperature operation
• Integrated UV-C germicidal lamp (254 nm) for routine decontamination of interior surfaces; programmable activation during idle periods to support GLP-compliant cleaning SOPs
• Intelligent power-fail recovery: automatically restores pre-interruption setpoints and logs event timestamps in non-volatile memory—critical for unattended overnight or multi-day experiments
• Multi-level alarm system with visual LED indicators and audible alerts for temperature deviation exceeding user-defined thresholds, door-open status, and UV lamp fault
• Optional daylight-spectrum illumination module supporting photoperiod-controlled applications including seed germination, zebrafish embryo development, and Drosophila melanogaster breeding protocols

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Herotherm 170R accommodates standard microbiological and cell culture formats—including Petri dishes (up to 150 mm), multi-well plates, Erlenmeyer flasks (up to 2 L), and test tubes—across four adjustable stainless-steel shelves. Its stainless-steel interior (AISI 304) and rounded chamber corners facilitate cleaning and reduce contamination risk. The unit complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment and meets EMC requirements per EN 61326-1. While not certified for medical device manufacturing under ISO 13485, its design supports GMP-aligned workflows when integrated into validated laboratory systems. UV sterilization performance aligns with ISO 15714 for microbiological safety validation of surface disinfection cycles.

Software & Data Management

The embedded LCD touchscreen interface provides intuitive navigation through temperature setpoint, timer, illumination mode, UV cycle scheduling, and alarm configuration menus. All operational parameters—including real-time chamber temperature, setpoint, elapsed time, and alarm history—are stored locally with timestamping. Data export is supported via USB port (CSV format), enabling traceability for audit-ready documentation. Though no Ethernet or cloud connectivity is built-in, the system’s deterministic behavior and repeatable thermal profiles allow integration into third-party LIMS or SCADA platforms using analog 4–20 mA or digital Modbus RTU (optional add-on). Audit trail functionality satisfies basic FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when used in conjunction with procedural controls for electronic record integrity.

Applications

• Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) analysis per APHA Standard Methods 5210B and ISO 5815-1
• Microbial growth studies for bacteria, yeasts, molds, and spore-forming organisms under aerobic or microaerophilic conditions
• Stability testing of pharmaceutical intermediates, APIs, and finished dosage forms per ICH Q1A(R3)
• Environmental monitoring of water, soil, and air samples in accordance with EPA Method 1681 and ISO 9308-1
• Entomological research involving temperature- and light-regulated life-cycle staging of model organisms (e.g., Drosophila, Tribolium)
• Seed viability and germination assays under standardized photoperiod and thermal regimes (ISTA Rules, Annex B)

FAQ

What is the minimum operating temperature, and can it maintain 4°C continuously?
Yes—the Herotherm 170R is rated for continuous operation at 4°C, enabled by its high-efficiency refrigeration circuit and insulated double-glass door.
Is the UV lamp ozone-free?
Yes—the installed UV-C lamp emits at 254 nm without generating measurable ozone, ensuring safe use in ventilated laboratory environments.
Can the incubator be validated for IQ/OQ/PQ protocols?
Absolutely—the unit’s documented thermal performance, PID tuning stability, and alarm response characteristics support formal qualification under ISO/IEC 17025 or internal lab SOPs.
Does it support external data logging via RS-485 or Ethernet?
RS-485 Modbus RTU communication is available as an optional hardware upgrade; native Ethernet is not supported.
How many shelves are included, and are additional ones available?
Four adjustable stainless-steel shelves are supplied standard; replacement or extra shelves (part #HT170R-SH-SS) are available through RADOBIO authorized distributors.