ZiQi ZQTP-S200 and ZQTP-Q100 De-staining Shakers (Syphilis Rotary Incubators)

Overview

The ZiQi ZQTP-S200 and ZQTP-Q100 De-staining Shakers are precision-engineered laboratory platforms designed for reproducible, low-shear agitation in molecular biology and immunoassay workflows. Unlike general-purpose orbital shakers, these units are optimized for critical post-electrophoresis steps—particularly Coomassie Blue staining and de-staining of polyacrylamide or agarose gels—where uniform reagent exchange and minimal gel distortion are essential. The ZQTP-S200 employs a true circular orbital motion (20 mm diameter), delivering consistent mixing across flat-bottomed containers and electrophoresis trays. In contrast, the ZQTP-Q100 utilizes a controlled rocking motion (±35 mm swing amplitude) that mimics gentle tilting protocols used in antibody incubation, membrane washing (e.g., Western blot transfer and stripping), and slide-based immunohistochemistry (IHC) or immunofluorescence (IF) processing. Both models operate exclusively at ambient temperature—making them suitable for integration into cold rooms (4 °C), environmental chambers, or standard lab benches without thermal interference. Their compact footprint, low power draw (20 W), and CE-compliant electrical architecture support continuous unattended operation in GLP-aligned environments.

Key Features

• Independent timer with extended range up to 999 hours and 59 minutes—enables multi-day protocols such as overnight gel de-staining or extended antibody incubations.
• Power-loss memory function retains elapsed runtime; resumes counting upon restoration of supply voltage—critical for maintaining protocol integrity during scheduled outages or facility maintenance.
• Intelligent stall detection with torque-limiting motor control: automatically halts operation and triggers audible alarm if load imbalance, excessive weight (>10 kg), or mechanical obstruction exceeds safe operational threshold.
• Dual-mode platform compatibility: ZQTP-S200 supports standard rectangular trays (320 × 210 mm) for horizontal orbital agitation; ZQTP-Q100 accommodates tilted-angle applications including hybridization racks and slide holders via its pivot-mounted rocking deck.
• Real-time ambient temperature monitoring via integrated thermistor—provides local environmental context for experimental logs and audit trails.
• No internal heating or cooling elements—ensures zero thermal drift during sensitive protein or nucleic acid handling; fully compatible with external climate-controlled enclosures.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

These shakers accommodate standard electrophoresis cassettes (up to 20 × 20 cm), mini-gel trays, multi-well plates (6–96-well), glass slides (up to 25 × 75 mm), and custom antibody incubation boxes. Load distribution must remain within center-of-gravity limits to prevent dynamic instability. Units comply with IEC 61010-1:2010 for laboratory electrical safety and meet EMC requirements per EN 61326-1:2013. While not certified for ISO 13485 or FDA 21 CFR Part 11, their deterministic timer logic, non-volatile runtime memory, and hardware-based stall protection support documentation practices aligned with GLP and basic GMP quality systems. No software validation package is provided; users are responsible for establishing instrument-specific IQ/OQ protocols per institutional SOPs.

Software & Data Management

The ZQTP series operates via embedded microcontroller firmware with no external software dependency. All settings—including speed, time, and mode—are configured using front-panel push-button interface with LED status indicators. Runtime data (elapsed time, current speed, ambient temperature) are displayed in real time but not stored beyond active session. For regulated environments requiring electronic records, integration with third-party environmental monitoring systems (via optional analog output or RS-232 interface—available on request) enables timestamped logging of operational parameters. Audit trail generation must be implemented externally through LIMS or ELN platforms.

Applications

• Gel processing: Coomassie R-250 and silver staining, destaining, fixation, and fixing buffer exchanges.
• Western blotting: PVDF or nitrocellulose membrane washing (TBST/TBS), primary/secondary antibody incubation, ECL substrate development.
• Immunohistochemistry & immunofluorescence: Slide-mounted tissue section antigen retrieval, blocking, antibody binding, and PBS wash cycles.
• Molecular hybridization: Pre-hybridization, probe hybridization, and stringent wash steps for Northern/Southern blots.
• Cell culture support: Gentle agitation of suspension cultures or adherent cell detachment assays under ambient conditions.
• Low-temperature workflows: Stable operation inside refrigerated cabinets (4 °C) or humidity-controlled rooms (≤80 % RH).

FAQ

Can the ZQTP-S200 and ZQTP-Q100 be used inside a CO₂ incubator?

No—neither model is rated for humidified, elevated-CO₂, or heated incubator environments. They are strictly ambient-temperature devices with IP20 enclosure rating.
Is speed calibration traceable to NIST or other national standards?

Factory calibration is performed using optical tachometry; however, no certificate of calibration or NIST-traceable documentation is included. Users may perform in-house verification using a handheld laser tachometer.
Does the unit support external trigger input for synchronized start/stop?

No—there is no digital I/O port or TTL trigger capability. Operation is fully manual or timer-initiated only.
What is the maximum recommended volume per container on the tray?

For optimal fluid dynamics and minimal splashing, maintain liquid depth ≤2 cm in standard electrophoresis trays. Total tray load must not exceed 10 kg, evenly distributed.
Are replacement trays or custom platform adapters available?

Standard trays are fixed-integrated. Optional universal clamping kits (for slide racks or multi-well plate holders) can be sourced separately from ZiQi’s OEM division upon request.