ANALYTICAL AND LABORATORY EQUIPMENT 17
As a result, leading researchers seek simpler, more reliable isolation alternatives to the large complex glove box. Te best of these ‘lean’ isolation systems avoid much of the size and complexity, yet still ensure fail-safe isolation that meets experimental requirements. In doing so, they can eliminate the extra technological burden and greater risk of error, while avoiding distraction from their primary research goals. Tis can lead to quicker, more accurate experimental results.
Isolator options for R&D Tere are many types of large automated isolators, and lean isolation ranges from a simple flask to complex, automated bench-top glove boxes. With so many options, selecting a suitable alternative can be challenging. At the lower end, glove bags
are disposable containment devices of simple design that can be effective for simple process applications. Composed of inflatable plastic (e.g. PVC or PE) with built-in gloves, this approach can meet basic isolation needs if the lack of solid walls and pressure control are permissible.
Compared to hard-walled workstations, glove bags are generally much easier to use and far less expensive. Disadvantages include instability, reduced visibility and control issues. Among lean glove box
options are compact, portable benchtop models. Although they vary in size and weight, some are built with a clear, polymeric top with ports for a single pair of elastomeric gloves. Additional accessories and attachment options for items such as premixed or regulated gases may be part of the design. Te most basic of these
isolator glove boxes simply act as a physical barrier. However, controlled atmosphere and clean units offer pressure control, displacement purge and fail-safe specimen protection for work in aseptic, inert and special gas mixtures. Controlled atmospheres, clean or aseptic applications require positive pressure inside to protect the work specimen and inside atmosphere, while toxic or bio-hazardous work requires negative pressure containment to protect users and the community/environment.
Although benchtop models cost less and have a smaller footprint than large, highly automated glove box chambers, many still feature greater layers of complexity in instrumentation and controls than required for the target process. Tis has opened the door for new, leaner models with all required functionality for most research demanding a special atmosphere with a small fraction of the maintenance, footprint and operational complexity. Tese lean glove box systems have already drawn the attention of a wide range researchers with technical and schedule challenges. Tose isolation requirements vary from experiments on hypoxia in human diseases to those requiring aseptic containment for studying cures for the Ebola virus.
From university lab to West African bush “Several hypoxia chambers are available for research; however, their costs limit their availability to academic research facilities,” explains Aqeela Afzal research assistant professor, Neurological
Fixed bio-decontamination system O
ne leading decontamination expert recently launched a new bio-decontamination technology
designed to improve pass-through chamber and cleanroom aseptic practices. The Bioquell FS-1 is a fixed system,
designed to be rapidly installed and validated, overcoming many of the issues and challenges observed in pharmaceutical production and life science research. Based on Bioquell’s well proven technology, the FS-1 delivers swift bio-decontamination cycles to a 6-log reduction whilst leaving no residues. It also has the advantage of operating at low temperatures to preserve heat-sensitive products and materials. Whether used in pass-through chambers for decontaminating materials
passing from low to high classification areas, to reset a cleanroom environment back to zero between runs, or in the event of a viral or bacterial spill, the Bioquell FS-1 can be applied to many life science applications. The system
comprises three units. Mounted to a wall inside the chamber/room, the vaporiser has a small footprint to maximise working areas where space is limited. The second unit is a bottle module containing the HPV solution. It can be placed inside or outside the room/chamber and comes
with enhanced peroxide traceability and wastage minimisation. Finally, placed outside the target area, the control unit (HMI) is equipped with simple one-touch technology and is available in wired or wireless variant.
www.scientistlive.com
Headquartered in Ohio, USA, Banthrax manufactures and distributes practical containment workstations
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