Z160 Multi-Cultivator is designed for small scale cultivation of algae, bacteria or cyanobacteria. It consists of 8 test tubes, each holding up to ca. 85 ml of cultivated suspension. The test tubes are immersed in a thermostated waterbath. Each tube is illuminated by an array of warm white LEDs that can generate incident irradiance, which is independently adjustable up to 500 µmol(photon)/m²/s. Each test tube can be bubbled with gas. The gas is humidified and supplied to each test tube through a manually adjustable valve manifold.

The Z160 Multi-Cultivator  is supplied with a light controlling unit that supports user-defined dynamic illumination protocols, such as, flashing lights or day/night cycles.

Two optional accessories are available: Cooling Unit AC-88, which serves for the thermostated waterbath cooling below ambient levels, and the peristaltic pump for automatic waterbath refilling. An additional option also includes optical density measurements of the cultures for monitoring of thier growth rates.

The Z160 Multi-Cultivator allows testing of multiple organisms or multiple samples of the same organism under variable cultivation conditions with respect to light, culture medium and  gas supply or composition.

Key Features:

Specifications:

The Z150 Photobioreactor is used for precise phototrophic cultivation of algae and cyanobacteria. It features a unique combination of the cultivator and monitoring device. Light power and spectral composition as well as temperature and aeration gas composition can be set with high accuracy. In addition, cultivation conditions can be dynamically varied according to  user- defined protocol. Light, temperature, and gas composition can oscillate with various amplitudes and frequencies. The growth of the cultures is monitored by the integrated densitometer (OD 735, OD680). Chlorophyll content of the culture can also be monitored continuously by the difference of optical densities at 680 and 735 nm. The instantaneous physiological state of the culture is measured by the Photosystem II quantum yield Fv/Fm.

For cultivation of up to 8 different algal cultures please see the Z160 Multicultivator.

Click below to see the installation of 100L photobioreactors at Washington University in St. Louis, USA

Cultivation:

• Cultivation vessel capacity: 400 ml (Z150) standard,  1000 ml (Z150/1000),  larger volumes (25L, 100L) also available

25L photobioreactor

large scale photobioreactors (100L)

• Programmable light, temperature, gas, and medium regime. Time steps from milliseconds to hours.
• Both static and changeable temperature in the range of 18 – 50 °C (standard) or in the range of 0 – 70 °C (optional).
• Controlled flow and composition of the bubbling gas (optional).
• Magnetic stirring (optional).
• Bubble interruption during measurements – bubble interruption valve (optional).
• Bubble humidifier to keep the volume in the vessel stable (optional).
• Peristaltic pump for chemostat mode cultivation, i.e., preprogramed addition of chemical ie. acid or base to preset pH (optional).
• Peristaltic pump for Turbidostat mode cultivation – stabilization of the suspensions via optical density control (optional).

Schematic of device with external modules:

LED Lighting:

• Standard color versions :White, Red-blue (630 nm, 450 nm), White-red (630 nm), other colors and color combinations (optional).
• Both static and fluctuating light regime – day/night cycles, pulsing (max frequency 1ms) or sinus waves.
• Actinic light up to 1200 µmol(photon)/m2/s (standard).
• Light intensity upgrade from 1,800 – 2,500 µmol(photon)/m2/s; according to LED type and color (optional).
• Wide range of wavelengths from UV-A through VIS to NIR (optional).
• Additional light source to accommodate specific needs of different organisms. For instance, Infra Red (850 nm) light source for purple sulfur photosynthetic bacteria. (optional; various wavelengths available).

Monitoring:

• Integrated Double-Modulation Fluorometer with online measurement of chlorophyll  fluorescence parameters, such as Fo, Ft, Fm, Fm´, (Fm’-Ft)/Fm’, and others (standard).
• Integrated online optical density measurement (standard).
• O2 electrode to measure concentration of dissolved gases (optional).
• CO2 electrode to determine the dissolved CO2 concentration in the Photobioreactor medium (optional).
• pH monitoring (optional).
• Magnetic Stirrer (optional).
• High-precision Gas Mixing System ZGMS-150 (optional).

Other Features:

• User-friendly operation.
• Robust construction, thermal stability, long-life light source.
• PC interface.
• Remote control.

Control Software (optional):

• User defined protocols
• Data collection in real time.
• Data upload even when the experiment is running.
• Data visualization in graphs.
• Further processing of data sheets in Excel accessible format.
• Remote control of the experiment via internet.
• software control of up to 9 photobioreactors

Specifications:

• Fluorescence Parameters: Fo, Ft, Fm, Fm´, Fv/Fm other parameters can be calculated.
• Vessel Capacity: 400 ml, 1000 ml. 25 L, 100 L
• Precision Controlled Temperature: 18 °C – 50 °C.
• Cooling and Heating System: Two 200 W Peltier elements.
• Two Displays: For system control and actual temperature.
• Light Regime: Static or dynamic (sinus, triangle etc).
• Optical Density Measurement: Real time measurement of OD by two IR LEDs (735 nm, 680 nm).
• Detector Wavelength Range: PIN photodiode with 697nm -750 nm bandpass filters.
• Controlled Flow and Composition of the Bubbling Gas: Optional.
• Pumps: Up to 8 peristaltic pumps supported (optional),
• pH Probe: Optional.
• Bios: Upgradeable firmware.
• Communication Port: Serial – RS232.
• Material: Glass, stainless steel, silikon gasket.
• Size: 50 x 25 x 35 cm (for the standard 400ml unit).
• Weight: 15.5 kg (400ml unit).
• Electrical: 90-240 V.

References:

• Nedbal L et. al. (2008) Biotechnology and Bioengineering 100: 902-910
• Cerveny J and Nedbal L (2009) Journal of Biological Rhythms 24:295-303
• Cerveny J. et al. (2009): Eng. Life Sci., No. 3, 247-253
• Nedbal L. et al.(2010): J. Ind. Microbiol. Biotechnol., 37: 1319-1326

Z140 AlgaeTron is a floor standing incubated shaker that provides well-defined culture conditions for growing algae and cyanobacteria in Petri dishes or Erlenmeyer flasks. Equipped with a large, easy-to-read display screen, it clearly shows operating parameters and actual values. Intuitive programming allows multiple parameter changes to light intensity, light characteristics, temperature, and shaking power. Accommodates up to 34 x 50 ml flasks. Large version Z140-3 with three illuminated shelves also available.

Highlights:

• Intuitive Programming of temperature, photosynthetic light, and shaking speed.
• Independently Programmable LED-Light:

                 1. user-defined modulation;
                 2. intensity up to 500 umol(photon)/m2/s; in Z140-3 shelves 2 and 3 intensity up to 100 umol (photon)/m2/s
                 3. precise intensity control in the range of 1% to 100%;
                 4. timing steps from seconds to hours;
                 5. warm white + infra-red LED light (other colors optional).

• Temperature Control: ramps temperature up or down in the range of 7 to 45 °C.
• Agitation: bench-scale orbital shaker (1 included), with the speed range of 70-400 RPM dimensions 39 x 32 x 9 cm; weight: 9 kg, loading capacity (35x50ml flask or 23x100ml flask or 12×250 ml flask or 8x500ml flask).  Larger Z140-3 model can accomodate 3 shakers (1 included and 2 optional)
• Additional, Height-Adjustable Shelf: adds storage for incubating plates and other samples.

inside view of Z140 AlgaeTron:                                                                                                       Z140-3 AlgaeTron

Optional Features:

• High-intensity light upgrade up to 2,000 umol(photon)/m²/s (single shelf unit)
• Additional shakers
• Customized light color, i.e. red-green-blue or red-blue, or other.
• Integrated CO2 mixer.
• Programmable humidity control (single shelf unit)

Technical Specification:

• Controlled Temperature Range: +7 to +45 °C (lights off), +15 to +45°C (full lights on), optional temperature upgrade for 7-55°C  (full lights on)
• LED Light Illumination: LED panel 25 x 35 cm
• External Dimension: 100 x 55 x 62 cm (H x W x D); Z140-3 (165 x 60 x 60 cm)
• Weight: 55 kg; 70 kg (Z140-3)
• Internal Volume: 124 L, 280L (Z140-3)
• Refrigerant: R134a
• Compressor: 220 – 240 V; ~ 50 Hz; 160 W ; 0,70 A
• Shaker Speed: 70-400 RPM
• Shaker Weight: 9kg
• Shaker Loading Weight: Up to 3 kg
• Shaker Dimension: 39 x 32 x 9 cm (W x D x H)
• Shaker Power Supply: 115/ 230 V +/-10%; ~ 50/60 Hz
• Warranty: 1 year parts and labor

Z130 FytoScope Chamber represents a remarkable combination of a LED-based growth chamber and measuring device.  It provides well defined culture conditions.  The illumination can be controlled in its intensity, spectral composition and temporal modulation.  Temperature, gas atmosphere composition can be constant or varied.  Z130 FytoScope Chamber has primarily been designed for cultivation and monitoring of higher plants.  Alternatively, it can be used for growing algae and cyanobacteria in Petri dishes or Erlenmeyer flasks that are exposed to well defined irradiance, kept in constant temperature and, if needed, supplied by gas mixture (also see Z140 Algaetron).

Illumination:

• Precise control of the light intensity, mode and timing.
• LED light panel size: 25 x 35 cm.
• Offered are two standard color versions: WIR (white + infra-red LEDs), RGBIR (red + green + blue + infra-red LEDs).
• Maximum light intensity for cold white: 1500 µmol(photons)/m²/s.
• Maximum light intensity for warm white: 500 µmol(photons)/m²/s.
• Maximum light intensity for RGBIR: 1500 µmol(photons)/m²/s.

Maximum Reached Light Intensity (measured at 30 cm from the source):

• Red 627 nm: …….. 500 µmol(photon)/m2/s
• Green 530 nm: …. 500 µmol(photon)/m2/s
• Blue 470 nm: ……. 500 µmol(photon)/m2/s
• R-G-B: …………….. 1,500 µmol(photon)/m2/s

LED characteristics:

Construction:

• High-quality construction materials ensuring maximum durability and reliability.
• FS130 version – Outside dimensions: 100 x 55 x 62 cm (H x W x D).
• FS130 version – inside dimensions: 69 x 42 x 40 cm (H x W x D).
• Volume: 124 L

Highlights:

• High irradiance – 1500 µmol(photons)/m².s, optional 2000 µmol(photons)/m².s.
• Rapid modulation of irradiance simulating light flecks as well as precise adjustment of the light intensity in the range of 1 % to 100 %.
• other colors LEDs available 9inlcuding UVA as an option.
• Independently programmable light composition and dynamics in UVA, VIS and near IR.
• LED technology with minimum plant heating.

Online Measured Parameters (optional):

• FT, FM, QY.
• Relative humidity.
• Temperature.
• Light intensity.
• CO2 assimilation monitor.

Applications:

• Real-time, in-situ, high-content monitoring of plant performance.
• Accurate, precision-controlled plant growth.
• Accurately controlled growth of algae or cyanobacteria in Petri dishes or Erlenmeyer flasks.

Other FytoScope Features:

• Minimal footprint size using less laboratory space.
• Digital display of temperature, relative humidity and lighting intensity.
• Day / night cycle programmable.
• Temperature range: 15 ºC to 50 ºC with illumination, 7 ºC to 50 ºC without illumination.
• Lower temperatures as an option.
• Relative humidity control (optional).
• Adjustable CO2 air content (optional).
• Access ports for gas control (optional).
• Computer interface with control software (optional).

Control Software (optional):

• Data collection in real time.
• Data upload for processing – even when the experiment is running.
• Data visualization in graphs or tables.
• Web interface.

Other sizes available:

FytoScope Z250:

• Growth chamber with inside capacity of 250 L.
• accessible from the top
• Outside dimension: 105 cm (width) x 67 cm (depth) x 88 cm (height).
• Inside dimension: 80 x 43 cm (base) x 63 cm (height) plus additional lower space of 21 x 43 cm (base) x 35 cm (height).
• LED light illumination (35 x 90 cm).
• White + infra-red LEDs.
• Other colors as an option.
• Light intensity 500 µmol(photons)/m²/s . 
• Light upgrade up to 1200 umol(photons)/m2/s (optional)
• Precise control over the light mode, intensity, and timing.
• Accurate temperature control (15 – 60 ºC).
• Humidity control (optional)

FytoScope Z360:

• Growth chamber with inside capacity of 360 L.
• accessible from the top
• Outside dimension: 140 cm (width) x 67 cm (depth) x 88 cm (height).
• Inside dimension: 125 x 43 cm (base) x 63 cm (height) plus additional lower space of 21 x 43 cm (base) x 35 cm (height).
• LED light illumination (35 x 120 cm).
• White + infra-red LEDs.
• Other colors as an option.
• Light intensity 500 µmol(photons)/m²/s (at 30cm).
• Light upgrade to 1200 umol(photons)/m2/s optional
• Precise control over the light mode, intensity, and timing.
• Accurate temperature control (15 – 60 ºC).
• Humidity control (optional)

FytoScope Z3400:

• Step-in unit with inside capacity of 3400 L.
• Outside dimensions:  226 cm (length) x 120 cm (depth) x 210 cm (height)
• Inside height: 190 cm
• Adjustable shelving
• Homogeneously illuminated cultivation area: 140 cm (L) x 106 cm (D)
• White LED illumination with supplementary far red LEDs
• Maximum light intensity 2,000 µmol(photons)/m².s at the distance of 50 cm
• Maximum light intensity 1,700 µmol(photons)/m².s at the distance of 150 cm
• Precise control over the light mode, intensity, and timing.
• Programmable to enable “dawn/dusk” simulation
• Temperature: maximum +45 °C, minimum 0 °C (lights ON)
• Relative humidity: adjustable from 30 % to 90 %
• Incorporated measurement of chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm, Ft, Fv, etc) (optional).
• Touch-screen control panel.