The HypoxyLab is a second-generation hypoxia workstation designed to accurately reproduce physiological conditions for cell-based research. It offers precise control over the partial pressure of oxygen, carbon dioxide content, chamber temperature, and humidity, making it suitable for various fields including cancer biology, radiation cell biology, cardiovascular research, apoptosis, neurology, stem cell research, multidisciplinary drug development, and proteomics.
Function Description:
The HypoxyLab provides a controlled environment for culturing cells under specific oxygen, CO2, temperature, and humidity conditions. Unlike traditional hypoxia chambers that control oxygen as a percentage concentration, the HypoxyLab directly regulates the partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) in mmHg or kPa. This approach accounts for barometric pressure, ensuring consistent hypoxia replication regardless of altitude or prevailing climatic conditions. The system uses optimized PID algorithms, advanced digital gas flow controllers, and low-maintenance sensors to maintain stable environmental parameters. It features a built-in UV source in the water reservoir and a user-replaceable HEPA filter for contamination control. The workstation also supports automated oxygen profiling, allowing users to program up to eight sequential oxygen concentrations, including looping options. Data logging capabilities continuously record the four key environmental parameters (oxygen, CO2, humidity, and temperature) onto internal flash memory, which can be exported to a USB flash drive for analysis using LabChart® Reader. The Easy-Entry hatch system facilitates quick and convenient transfer of cells and culture-ware without significant fluctuations in chamber conditions. The HypoxyLab is also designed to integrate with Oxford Optronix's OxyLite™ dissolved oxygen monitors for in-situ measurements of dissolved oxygen in media or cell cultures, and with CytoSMART™ Lux2 digital microscope systems for live cell imaging.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Gas Control: Microprocessor-controlled, 3-channel Digital Electronic Flow Controller (DEFC).
- Gases: Air, Nitrogen, CO2 (1-4 bar inlet pressure).
- Contamination Control: Integrated HEPA filtration.
- Chamber Volume: Approx. 130L.
- Chamber Working Area: Approx. 500 mm (W) x 390 mm (D).
- Chamber Storage Capacity: Up to 40 multi-well plates or 10 cm Petri dishes (assumes 2 shelf units; excludes storage on working area).
- Maximum Gas Flow Rate: 15L/minute/gas.
- Transfer Hatch: 'Easy-Entry' letterbox with internal flap (usable dimensions 204 mm (W) x 88 mm (H)).
- Power: Auto-switching 110 – 240V AC 50/60 Hz, 500W max.
- Enclosure: PET-G, lightweight and removable.
- Colour Touchscreen: Integrated.
- External USB Ports: 1 x Type A (data recording and firmware upgrades), 1 x Type mini-B (pass-thru port for internal digital devices).
- Internal, Powered USB Port: Integrated.
- External Dimensions: 800 mm (H) x 590 mm (W) x 690 mm (D).
- Weight: 25 Kg / 55 lbs.
- Operating Temperature Range (external): 15-30 °C.
- Oxygen Control Method: Feedback algorithm with auto PID – using DEFC and optical O2 sensor.
- Oxygen Control Range: 1-140 mmHg; user programmable via touchscreen.
- Oxygen Calibration: Manual, recommended 6-monthly.
- Oxygen Accuracy: ± 0.5 mmHg (1-20 mmHg), ± 1 mmHg (21-40 mmHg), ± 2 mmHg (41-80 mmHg), ± 3 mmHg (81-140 mmHg).
- Oxygen Resolution: 1 mmHg.
- CO2 Control Method: Feedback algorithm with auto PID – using DEFC and IR CO2 sensor.
- CO2 Control Range: 0.0-10.0%; user programmable via touchscreen.
- CO2 Calibration: Manual, recommended monthly.
- CO2 Accuracy: ± 0.25%.
- CO2 Resolution: 0.10%.
- Temperature Control Method: Feedback auto PID – using Class A Pt sensor.
- Temperature Control Range: Ambient +5°C (min 20°C) – 45 °C; user programmable via touchscreen.
- Temperature Calibration: Pre-calibrated, none required.
- Temperature Accuracy at Point of Sense: ± 0.5 °C.
- Temperature Resolution: 0.1 °C.
- Temperature Gradient Across Chamber: ± 0.5 °C.
- Humidity Control Method: Nebuliser with auto PID using pre-calibrated capacitive sensor.
- Humidity Calibration: Pre-calibrated, none required.
- Humidity Control Range: Ambient – 85% RH; user programmable via touchscreen.
- Humidity Accuracy: ± 2.5% RH.
- Humidity Resolution: 1% RH.
Usage Features:
- Touchscreen Display: Intuitive interface for setting and controlling chamber oxygen, CO2, humidity, and temperature, with real-time digital and trace displays.
- Automated Oxygen Profiles: Fully customizable programs for sequential oxygen concentrations, including looping.
- Easy-Entry Hatch System: Allows quick transfer of items into and out of the chamber, with an internal 'letterbox' flap to minimize gas displacement.
- Lightweight Cover: Easily removable for loading media, consumables, and cleaning.
- Ergonomic Design: Angled vision panel and adjustable LED illumination for excellent visibility and comfortable operation.
- Armport Sleeves: Pre-fitted and designed for comfortable, sealed hand access. Spare latex wrist seals are provided.
- Armport Plugs: Seal armport sleeves when not in use.
- Thermal Jacket: Neoprene jacket provided to improve insulation, reduce condensation, and allow higher internal RH settings.
- Vacuum Thro-Port: (For serial numbers HL9081 and later) A 6 mm internal diameter port for cell culture/medium aspiration, with sealing caps.
- OxyLite™ Integration: Dedicated side-gland for inserting OxyLite oxygen sensors to measure dissolved oxygen directly in cultures.
- CytoSMART™ Add-on: Supports CytoSMART™ Lux2 digital microscope for live cell imaging within the HypoxyLab, powered by an internal USB port.
- Fan Speed Control: 'FAN Low' / 'FAN High' toggle function to reduce air motion and evaporation during steady-state incubations.
- Software Upgrades: Firmware updates can be applied via USB flash drive.
Maintenance Features:
- Cleaning and Sanitising:
- Keep clean inside and out; can be sprayed with 70% ethanol.
- DO NOT use ammonia-based cleaning agents, Methanol, Toluene, or Acetone.
- Clean and disinfect the water reservoir regularly (bi-monthly decontamination is essential to prevent microbial contamination).
- Empty the water reservoir after use, especially if out of use for more than 24 hours, to prevent stagnation and microbial build-up.
- Allow the chamber to air-dry after use.
- Clean HypoxyLab base, enclosure cover, and internal surfaces with lint-free cloths and lukewarm water and/or 70% ethanol spray.
- For active disinfection, hydrogen peroxide hard surface cleaners (e.g., Incidin™ OxyFoam™ S spray) are recommended.
- Gas Sensors:
- Do not leave the HypoxyLab in 'stand-by' for long periods as it can adversely affect gas sensors.
- Calibrate the CO2 sensor at least once per month (the system prompts every 28 days).
- Calibrate the oxygen sensor at least once every 6 months.
- HEPA Filter: Replace at least once per month. Use ONLY filters supplied by Oxford Optronix.
- Water Supply: Supply with sterile deionized or distilled water to avoid scale build-up. Replace external water supply weekly.
- Seals and Sleeves:
- Release catches on the enclosure cover when not in use to avoid deformation of the base seal.
- Examine armport sleeves, wrist seals, and associated O-rings monthly for wear and replace as necessary.
- Examine the enclosure-to-base main seal and Easy-Entry hatch O-ring monthly for wear and replace as necessary.
- Maintain armport sleeves INSIDE the armport covers during extended incubation periods to prevent water condensation.
- Storage: If not in use for a period, drain the humidifier reservoir, turn off the device, unclip the enclosure cover, remove armport plugs, open the Easy-Entry hatch, and prop open the internal flap to allow the system to dry out fully. Store out of direct sunlight in a dry, indoor environment within normal temperature ranges.
- Warranty: 5-year manufacturer's warranty, contingent upon annual on-site preventative maintenance.
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