What is a Shaker Incubator?

A shaker incubator is a laboratory device that combines the features of an incubator and a shaker. It is used in scientific research and laboratories to create controlled conditions for the growth and culture of microorganisms, cells, and tissues. Typically, this device consists of a chamber that maintains temperature and humidity, along with a shaker mechanism that agitates or mixes samples. This agitation ensures uniform distribution of materials and gases in the sample, preventing sedimentation of cells or particles during culture. Such motion is crucial for maintaining uniform growth conditions and maximizing the efficiency of cell or microorganism cultures.

Shaker incubators are widely used in fields such as microbiology, cell biology, biochemistry, and pharmaceutical research. In these areas, precise control over environmental conditions is essential for conducting experiments and culturing biological samples.

Generally, shaker incubators are classified into various types, including standard thermal incubators (temperature range: +30°C to +70°C) and refrigerated incubators (temperature range: -5°C to +70°C), depending on laboratory requirements.

Features of FG Shaker Incubators

FG shaker incubators boast exceptional capabilities, making them standout products in both domestic and international markets. Key features include:

• Elegant and ergonomic design
• Smart digital control board with a 7-inch LCD display
• Touch-sensitive buttons
• Outstanding temperature accuracy
• Unique CMT technology
• Capability to connect to a chiller circulator for cooling the chamber
• Use as a refrigerated shaker incubator for below-room-temperature applications

In addition to controlling the internal temperature, FG shaker incubators provide orbital shaking, creating an ideal environment for maintaining and growing microorganisms in a uniform temperature setting. They are commonly used for incubating bacterial, viral, and fungal cultures.

Applications of Shaker Incubators

Laboratory shaker incubators are essential equipment in various laboratory environments, including:

• Pharmaceutical industry labs
• Clinical diagnostic laboratories
• Hospitals
• Universities and research centers
• Food industries

Types of Shaker Incubators

Shaker incubators are often categorized based on shaking mechanism, volume capacity, body material, controller type, and temperature range. The most common types include:

1. Standard Shaker Incubators:
   These are basic models used for general applications, typically with a temperature range of +30°C to +70°C.
2. Refrigerated Shaker Incubators:
   Designed for applications requiring lower temperatures, they usually operate within a temperature range of +4°C to +40°C.
3. CO₂ Shaker Incubators:
   Ideal for applications requiring precise CO₂ level control. These units are equipped with a CO₂ tank for maintaining gas levels within the chamber.

Other advanced features may include:

• Humidity Control: For applications requiring moisture regulation.
• Light Control: To protect samples from light exposure.
• Atmosphere Control: To adjust gas composition in the environment.

When choosing a shaker incubator, it is important to consider specific laboratory needs, such as application, required temperature range, capacity, and more.

Key Features to Consider

Laboratory incubators typically include temperature controllers, air vents (for releasing vapors and gases), and timers. Advanced models offer features such as programming, thermal ramp adjustment (RAMP), and delay timers (for setting device start times).

Important Factors When Purchasing a Shaker Incubator

1. Chamber Door Design:
   While most shaker incubators feature front-hinged doors, advanced models are equipped with top-opening doors using special hinges, facilitating easier loading and unloading of flasks and samples.
2. Orbital Motion Mechanism:
   Standard models often use a single cam and four springs (or similar materials) to create orbital motion. This can cause issues like noise, unwanted vibrations, and uneven movement. In advanced systems, four cams replace the springs, distributing the load evenly across the entire surface. This ensures smooth, stable motion and faster, more efficient mixing of solutions.

Capacity and Customization Options

FG shaker incubators are currently available with a loading capacity of up to 10 kilograms. Additionally, they can be customized according to specific customer needs. These devices are primarily designed for temperatures above ambient conditions. For lower temperatures, FG chiller circulators can be paired with the incubators.

Refrigerated Shaker Incubators:
FGIRAN shaker incubators, when connected to chiller circulators, can function as refrigerated shaker incubators. These devices enable temperature conditions from 10°C below ambient to 60°C, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.