The development and evolution of laboratory shakers
The development and evolution of laboratory oscillators-Tengyi Technology
As one of the indispensable equipment in the laboratory, the oscillator is widely used in universities, scientific research and production enterprises in many fields such as molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmaceuticals, environmental monitoring, petrochemical industry, food and so on. Its technical application range covers multiple mixed solution steps in basic laboratory research and production processes such as cell culture, DNA/RNA extraction, and protein purification. This article will start from the birth of the oscillator, and introduce it from the perspective of its working principle, technical categories, and functional characteristics. At the same time, it will compare the applications of oscillators in different fields.
The development of oscillators
The birth of oscillators can be traced back to the mid-20th century. At that time, scientific researchers were looking for a device that could efficiently and uniformly mix liquid or solid-liquid samples. They tried various methods, including using electric mixers, ultrasonic mixers, etc., but failed to achieve the desired results. Finally, they discovered a method called "vortex oscillation", which can oscillate and mix the sample in all directions through vortex motion, thereby achieving a uniform and stable mixing effect.
With the development of science and technology, oscillators are constantly being improved and optimized. Today's oscillators are no longer just simple mechanical devices, but intelligent devices integrating various high-tech elements such as sensors. These devices can implement multiple vortex modes, adjust the vortex speed, and use a variety of shaking heads or adapters to meet the needs of different experiments.
At the same time, the materials and designs of oscillators are also constantly being upgraded. For example, it is made of high-quality materials to ensure the stability and durability of the equipment. In terms of design, modern oscillators pay more attention to humanization, such as increasing the convenience of sample placement and reducing noise, so that experimenters can perform experimental operations more easily and comfortably.
How the oscillator works
The working principle of the oscillator is to use the electromagnetic field of circuit components to produce eccentric rotation and oscillation, or the motor drives the eccentric component (eccentric ball bearing) to produce eccentric rotation. When the equipment rotates the liquid in the test tube or other container, the liquid will form a whirlpool and oscillate, thereby achieving the purpose of mixing the solution evenly. By adjusting the rotation speed and position of the eccentric ring, the speed and direction of the vortex flow can be controlled. This efficient mixing method can significantly improve operational efficiency during experiments or production processes.
Types, characteristics and usage of oscillators
Put the solution into a container such as a centrifuge tube or test tube and place it on the shaking head or adapter of the oscillator. Start the equipment and adjust the speed to complete the shaking and mixing.
According to different starting methods, oscillators can be divided into:
Type of touching (touch): Touch the device by pressing the shaking head/top adapter, and you need to keep pressing to drive the sample to vortex and mix. The device will automatically stop when no more pressing. This is the start and stop method of the classic oscillator and has wide applicability. However, since a certain amount of pressure must be applied and kept pressed to trigger the start-up operation of the equipment, it is not friendly to experimental requirements with a large number of samples. It requires a lot of effort from the experimenter and causes repetitive strain injuries.
Type of infrared induction: The infrared sensor automatically detects the approach of the sample and starts the equipment. After the sample contacts the shaking head/adapter, it can be vortexed and mixed. After the sample is taken away, the equipment automatically stops without pressing force during the whole process. This is a new technology that has emerged in recent years. It has wide applicability and at the same time, the press-free function saves experimenters a lot of energy loss. This type of product is especially suitable for daily experiments with large sample volumes, and is very friendly to female researchers.
Continuous shaking mode: The device realizes continuous operation through the switch. It is suitable for specific adapters and samples that require long-term shaking and mixing, as well as large sample volumes or multi-tube shakers. Usually inching or infrared induction oscillators have this function.
According to material and fixing method, oscillators can be divided into:
The oscillator is made of lightweight plastic and has a suction cup on the bottom: Due to its insufficient weight, it needs to be fixed on the table with a suction cup to prevent possible displacement or toppling of the equipment during the vibration process. This type of product is cheap, and the suction cups have high requirements for the smoothness of the table; because the equipment itself will shake a lot, it will have a certain impact on the stability of the equipment and the user experience when the sample volume is large and the operation is long.
The oscillator is made of metal such as zinc alloy casting and has rubber feet:
it has a large weight and is stable and shockproof during operation. This type of product does not require suction cups to fix, making it easy to move the equipment to different experimental locations. Long-term operation will not affect the stability of the equipment or the user experience, and will help improve laboratory efficiency.
Oscillator Features
Compared with other types of mixing equipment, oscillators have the following characteristics:
1. Efficient and rapid mixing: It can quickly break stratification, accelerate reaction, and improve mixing uniformity.
2. Applicable to a variety of liquids: It can be used to process a variety of liquids with different properties, such as suspensions, emulsions, etc.
3. Easy to operate: simple to use and easy to operate.
4. Customizable: Vortex generators, shaking heads or adapters of different specifications and shapes can be customized according to user needs, suitable for different types of samples and containers.
It is worth mentioning that the oscillator performs particularly well when handling liquid samples that tend to adhere to the walls of the container. Through its working principle, it can achieve all-round uniform mixing of liquids in the container, which is undoubtedly a huge advantage for the processing of insoluble samples such as erythromycin and staining solutions.
In addition, another important feature of the shaker is that the liquid mixing process does not require electric stirring or magnetic stirring. This means that the mixed liquid will not be affected by external contamination and magnetic fields, making the experimental results more accurate and reliable.
Application fields of oscillators
The oscillators are divided into single-tube or multi-tube oscillators according to the needs of different sample types. They are also compatible with various adapters and are widely used in the following fields:
Physical and chemical experimental analysis
The oscillator can be used to mix, disperse and dissolve various solutions and solid-liquid mixed samples, promote various chemical and physical reactions, and improve reaction efficiency.
life science experiments
The use of oscillators is very common and is often used for the separation, purification and subsequent analysis and experiments of cells, proteins, nucleic acids and various biological macromolecules.
Material preparation and analysis
Oscillators can be used to mix and react ingredients during the preparation of various materials, and to develop materials with specific structures and functions.
Food and environmental monitoring
Shakers are often used for pre-processing such as dissolving, mixing and extracting food samples, as well as mixing and dispersing samples such as water samples, soil and solid waste in the environment for subsequent analysis and detection.
To sum up, as one of the most common instruments and equipment in the laboratory, the oscillator (vortex oscillator) has experienced the development and evolution process from traditional inching to infrared induction, from a single oscillating head to a variety of adapters, and also It has become an indispensable equipment in various experimental processes. Nowadays, scientific researchers and experimenters pay more attention to the applicability and use experience of oscillators. Product quality and good appearance design are also factors that everyone considers. With the continuous development and advancement of technology and products, oscillators will play a greater role in improving laboratory efficiency.
Tengyi Technology also has a variety of oscillators to choose from
In addition to the VELP single-tube test tube oscillator, infrared test tube oscillator and multi-tube test tube oscillator mentioned in the article
There are also many test tube shakers provided by different brands, with various functions and types, for you to choose from!
If you are interested, click the link below to find a suitable oscillator!
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