Shakers in CO₂ Incubators: Practical or Risky?

In cell culture experiments, scientists may require constant mixing or agitation to maintain uniform and homogeneous conditions such as temperature, CO₂ levels, and humidity, often to accurately mimic the human physiology. To achieve this, some researchers use shakers inside CO₂ incubators to enable scalable and efficient cell production. However, using a shaker in this sensitive environment poses risks if the equipment is not suitable.

Critical Considerations When Using Shakers in CO₂ Incubators

While independent shakers may add value in some workflows, using them inside CO₂ incubators introduces potential risks:

1. Temperature Stability: Most CO₂ incubators lack active cooling systems and rely on passive insulation to maintain a stable internal temperature. Even low-heat-output shakers can raise the temperature enough to disrupt the balance. This is particularly problematic for cell cultures, which are sensitive to even slight temperature fluctuations.
2. Airflow Disruption: The mechanical motion of the shaker can interfere with the incubator’s airflow patterns. This may cause uneven distribution of heat and humidity, creating microenvironments that compromise consistent cell growth.
3. Weight and Load Bearing: Some shakers, especially those handling large flasks or multiple plates, can be quite heavy. Placing them on standard incubator shelves may exceed the weight limit, causing bending or sagging. This results in uneven surfaces that can negatively impact cell culture, especially for adherent cells. In addition, due to the space limitations of a CO₂ incubator, there is also a limit on the load and orbit size of the shaker, restricting experimental setups options.

A Practical Solution to the Common Problem: Purpose-Built Incubator Shakers

The risks of using standard shakers inside CO₂ incubators stem from their inability to maintain the delicate balance of temperature, humidity, and CO₂ required for sensitive cell cultures. This is where purpose-built equipment makes all the difference.

OrbiCult™ Temperature-Controlled Incubator Shaker

Features:

• 10-inch color touchscreen with digital high-efficiency filtering.
• Precise temperature control with PID, variable frequency compressor, and dual crossflow fans.
• CO₂ infrared sensor and linear motion shakers for accurate environmental control.
• Triple-axis balanced drive with brushless motor and speed feedback system.
• Three-tier stacking design with stainless steel interior and independent layer control.

The New Esco OrbiCult™ Temperature-Controlled Incubator Shaker is specifically engineered to provide precise control over these critical parameters while delivering consistent, gentle agitation, ensuring cells thrive under stable and uniform conditions. With independent parameter control, customizable programs, and optional features like automatic water replenishment and active humidification, the OrbiCult™ incubator shaker supports a wide range of experiments from cell culture to drug screening. Its durable design, low-noise operation, 3-tier user management system and built-in safety features protect both cells and operators.

Mix Safely. Work Smart. Protect Your Research.

Placing a standard shaker inside a CO₂ incubator is rarely advisable and comes with significant risks. If gentle mixing is essential for your experiment, opt for a purpose-built equipment like the Esco OrbiCult™ Temperature-Controlled Incubator Shaker. Remember: just because a standard shaker can be placed inside a CO₂ incubator to do the job doesn’t mean it should. Prioritize the integrity of your research and the longevity of your lab equipment by choosing the right tools, ensuring both reliable results and peace of mind with every experiment.

Learn more about OrbiCult™ Temperature-Controlled Incubator Shakers: