Can Large Automated Equipment Be Safely Integrated into a Biosafety Cabinet?

Placing large-sized automated equipment inside a Biosafety Cabinet (BSC) is generally not recommended, as it can obstruct airflow, compromise sterility, and threaten research integrity. However, as laboratories increasingly adopt robotic systems, a critical question arises: what if the samples processed by automated equipment are sensitive materials that require biosafety protection?

Why Does Automation Equipment Need a Biosafety Cabinet?

Many laboratories now process sensitive biological samples using automated systems such as robotic liquid handlers, flow cytometers, cell sorters, and bioprinters. These systems offer advantages in speed, precision, consistency, and data quality. However, when handling primary cells, viruses, genetically modified organisms, or patient-derived materials, additional protection is required to safeguard operators, samples, and the environment.

Automated equipment is usually made for standard laboratory benches. These benches do not offer enough protection against cross-contamination, aerosol generation, or accidental exposure. Some systems have internal filters. However, these filters only protect the samples inside the instrument; they do not protect operators or the surrounding environment.

For this reason, integrating automated equipment with a Class II Biosafety Cabinet becomes necessary to ensure operator protection, product sterility, and environmental safety in accordance with ISO Class 5 airflow standards and applicable regulations.

The Challenge of Integrating Automation into
a Biosafety Cabinet

Once the need for biosafety protection is addressed, the next challenge is integration. Biosafety Cabinets are generally designed in sizes ranging from 3–6 ft and are intended for manual work performed by operators. In contrast, automated systems such as liquid handling platforms and flow cytometers often exceed the height, width, and weight limitations of a standard BSC.

Even when equipment can physically fit inside a cabinet, its presence may disrupt unidirectional airflow, compromise sterility, and reduce overall safety. Placing large objects inside a standard BSC is therefore strongly discouraged, as it undermines the cabinet's primary function.

In addition to airflow concerns, automated systems may introduce vibration, heat generation, and increased electrical and data connectivity requirements.

If not properly managed, these factors can interfere with both equipment performance and biosafety conditions, as well as hinder laboratory workflows.

How Esco Integrated Automated Equipment into
the Biosafety Cabinet

At Esco, these challenges are addressed through a customized engineering approach. Through in-depth discussions between customers and Esco engineers, leads to a custom Class II BSC is designed to safely fit automated equipment while ensuring proper airflow and containment performance.

The customization extends beyond cabinet size. Internal and external dimensions are adjusted to support equipment weight and layout, while additional technical features are incorporated to support stable operation. These may include vibration dampers, thermal management, secure cable routers, and internal connectivity solutions. This setup creates a controlled environment for automated systems in operation.

Each customized BSC undergoes testing and validation to ensure performance meets customer requirements and applicable standards. This approach has been successfully implemented and validated for automated liquid handling systems and flow cytometers.

Esco’s BSCs offer fully customizable designs that fit existing laboratory spaces while maintaining their primary function of protecting users, products, and the environment. Well-designed automation integration is not merely an expanded workspace, but a purpose-built system that combines automation efficiency with fundamental biosafety protection.

To support this complex integration, Esco’s global service network and experienced technical team assist with installation and validation, to ongoing support. We would be pleased to support your project from conception through validation as you integrate automated equipment into a safe and sterile laboratory workflow.