Orbital shakers

Types of orbital shakers

Orbital shakers are laboratory devices used to mix or agitate solutions. Depending on the design, they can be used for various applications, including cell culture, protein extraction, and polymerase chain reactions. The different types of orbital shakers include:

• General-purpose shakers

  These shakers are often used in laboratories for routine tasks. They can shake flasks, tubes, and microplates at a constant speed. They come with different sizes of platforms and can shake different sizes of containers.

• High-speed shakers

  These shakers are designed to work at high speeds. They are used in applications that require fast mixing, such as cell culture research. They have high-speed motors and stable bases to minimize vibrations during operation.

• Vortex shakers

  Vortex shakers are small, portable devices that provide localized mixing. They are used to mix small volumes of liquids in test tubes or microcentrifuge tubes. Some models have adjustable speed settings to control the intensity of mixing.

• Microplate shakers

  Microplate shakers are designed to shake microtiter plates. They are used in high-throughput screening applications where many samples need to be analyzed simultaneously. They have platforms that fit standard microplate sizes and can shake multiple plates simultaneously.

• Rotary shakers

  Rotary shakers combine orbital and rotational motion. They can rotate containers around their axes and shake them back and forth. They can mix powders and liquids in large containers.

• Rocking shakers

  These shakers move up and down like a rocking chair. They are gentle and ideal for applications such as DNA extraction, where cells must remain whole.

• Hybridization ovens with shakers

  These devices combine a shaker and an oven into one unit. They provide controlled temperatures and gentle mixing, which is ideal for hybridization experiments involving nucleic acids and proteins.

Design of orbital shakers

• Platform

  The platform is the part of the shaker that holds the containers. It often has removable clamps or racks to accommodate different sizes of flasks and test tubes.

• Orbital Motion

  Orbital shakers have a circular motion in the shaking process. The typical radius of the orbital motion is about 1 inch, but some shakers can increase the radius to 2 inches. The shakers have different speeds, usually ranging from 50 to 500 rpm.

• Drive Mechanism

  Drive Mechanism: Orbital shakers use either belt-driven or direct-drive mechanisms. The former utilizes belts and pulleys to transfer motor power to the shaker. The latter directly links the motor to the shaker.

• Size and Dimensions

  Orbital shakers vary in size, from compact bench-top models to large floor-standing units. Their size determines the maximum load they can bear. The small models can bear 5 kg, while the large ones can bear 100 kg.

• Material

  Metal shakers are sturdy and have a long lifespan, while plastic shakers are light and portable. The platform is often made of stainless steel, while the body can be made of plastic or metal.

• Control Interface

  Modern orbital shakers have digital control panels with LED displays for setting and monitoring speed and time. Some advanced models have touchscreens and programmable settings.

• Safety Features

  Safety features include overload protection, non-slip mats on the platform, and emergency stop buttons.

• Vibration Damping System

  Good shakers have a vibration-damping system that absorbs the vibration produced by the shaker. The system ensures the stability of the shaker and the safety of the experiment. The anti-vibration system can be soft pads or spring suspension systems.

Scenarios of orbital shakers

Orbital shakers provide practical solutions for many industries. They are essential for research labs, quality control, and production. These machines mix samples consistently and uniformly. This section shows their diverse uses and benefits in different fields.

• Food industry

  Food companies use orbital shakers for quality control. They shake sauces, dressings, and emulsified products to ensure ingredient uniformity. Sometimes, they are also used to extract nutrients from food. The shaker increases the interaction between the solvent and the solid food. This way, it becomes easier to analyze the nutrient content.

• Pharmaceutical industry

  The pharmaceutical industry uses orbital shakers in drug formulation and testing. They ensure a consistent mixture of active ingredients and excipients during formulation. They also help in accelerating dissolution testing. The shaker provides a uniform motion to simulate the drug dissolution in the gastrointestinal tract.

• Environmental science

  In environmental science, shakers help analyze soil and water samples for contaminants. They help to extract pollutants from environmental matrices into solution for detection. This ensures that contaminants are properly identified and quantified.

• Clinical laboratories

  Clinical labs use orbital shakers for blood sample analysis. They mix blood with reagents for disease diagnosis. They also perform enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). They shake samples and antibodies to enhance the immunoassay reaction for disease detection.

• Biotechnology

  Biotech firms use orbital shakers for culturing microorganisms and cells. They provide aerobic conditions for bacteria growth. They also help to produce plasmid DNA, proteins, and antibodies for research. The shaker improves mass transfer between cells and nutrients, increasing cell growth and product yield.

• Material science

  Material scientists use shakers to study the dispersion of nanoparticles in polymers. Shaking samples with different concentrations of nanoparticles helps to find the optimum loading that maintains the polymer's mechanical properties.

How to choose an orbital shaker

Choosing the right orbital shaker is critical for achieving optimal results in laboratory applications. Consider the following factors when selecting an orbital shaker:

• Application requirements:

  Determine the specific applications for which the orbital shaker will be used. Consider the speed and amplitude of shaking. Small-scale applications, such as gentle mixing of liquids or cell cultures, require lower speeds and amplitudes. Larger-scale applications, such as DNA or protein extraction, require higher speeds and amplitudes. Consider the types of samples that will be shaken. Delicate samples, such as cell cultures, require shakers with soft shaking modes. Larger samples, such as flasks or plates, require shakers with stronger shaking capabilities. Consider the volume and capacity of the samples. Ensure that the shaker can accommodate the desired sample volume and weight. Select a shaker with a suitable platform size and capacity for the samples being processed.

• Performance and features:

  Look for shakers with powerful motors and robust construction to ensure consistent performance even with heavy loads or continuous use. Select shakers with adjustable speed settings to enable flexibility for different applications. Some shakers offer programmable features, allowing users to set and save shaking parameters for repetitive tasks. Consider the noise level of the shaker, especially if it will be used in a noise-sensitive environment. Look for shakers with effective noise reduction technologies, such as insulated enclosures or soundproofing materials. Ensure that the shaker is equipped with appropriate safety features, such as overload protection, emergency stop buttons, and secure fastening mechanisms for securing samples.

• Compatibility and integration:

  Ensure that the orbital shaker is compatible with other laboratory equipment and technologies. Consider shakers that can seamlessly integrate with incubators, centrifuges, or analytical instruments, allowing for streamlined workflows and data analysis. Check the availability of accessories and attachments for the orbital shaker. Look for options such as flask holders, microplate racks, and vortexing attachments, which can enhance the versatility and functionality of the shaker for various laboratory needs.

Q&A

Q1. What are the advantages of using an orbital shaker?

A1. The benefits of using an orbital shaker are uniform mixing, controlled incubation, space efficiency, and reduced manual labor.

Q2. What factors should be considered when purchasing an orbital shaker?

A2. While buying an orbital shaker, the capacity, speed range, platform size, and power supply type must be considered.

Q3. How can one maintain an orbital shaker for longevity?

A3. For the long life of the equipment, regular cleaning, lubrication of moving parts, and inspection of belts and motors should be done.

Q4. Which industries commonly use orbital shakers?

A4. The industries that use orbital shakers include pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, biotechnology, and environmental testing.

Q5. What is the working principle of an orbital shaker?

A5. The working principle of an orbital shaker is that it moves back and forth while simultaneously rotating around a central point, thus creating a circular motion.