In microbiology and biotechnology labs, the ability to cultivate microorganisms under tightly controlled conditions is essential. Whether you're optimizing growth curves, running induction studies, or screening strains for production potential, precision matters. But traditional bioreactor systems can be bulky, expensive, and overly complex for small-scale needs.
Enter the RTS-1C Personal Bioreactor with Cooling from Grant Instruments—a compact, powerful tool designed to simplify microbial culture monitoring and control, especially when cooling is critical.
Why the RTS-1C Is a Game-Changer
1. Integrated Cooling Functionality
Unlike many benchtop bioreactors that only offer heating, the RTS-1C includes active cooling. This feature is especially useful when working with temperature-sensitive organisms or when simulating environmental stress conditions. Cooling down to below ambient temperatures expands the scope of possible experiments without needing a refrigerated incubator.
2. Real-Time Optical Density Monitoring
The RTS-1C enables continuous, non-invasive measurement of culture growth via OD850 readings. This real-time tracking allows researchers to monitor cell density throughout the experiment without interrupting the culture, reducing contamination risk and data gaps.
3. 360° Rotation Mixing with Aeration
Mixing is achieved through a unique horizontal 360° rotation, which promotes efficient oxygen transfer while avoiding the foam and shear stress common with traditional stirrers or shakers. This gentle but effective mixing is ideal for aerobic bacteria and yeast.
4. Small Volume, Big Impact
Working with volumes as low as 10 mL (up to 50 mL) makes the RTS-1C perfect for early-stage experimental design, media optimization, or synthetic biology applications where materials are limited or expensive.
5. Intuitive Software Control
The included software offers easy scheduling of temperature, speed, and data logging parameters. Users can visualize OD curves in real time, automate protocols, and export data for analysis—enhancing reproducibility and workflow efficiency.
Applications Across the Lab
The RTS-1C is not just for routine growth studies. It supports a wide range of applications:
- Expression studies: Fine-tune induction conditions for recombinant protein production.
- Stress response: Analyze how microorganisms respond to cold shock or temperature cycling.
- Synthetic biology: Run multiple optimization loops for circuit behavior in E. coli or other chassis organisms.
- Antibiotic screening: Observe microbial growth inhibition dynamics in real time.
Final Thoughts
The RTS-1C Personal Bioreactor with Cooling strikes a rare balance between capability and simplicity. Its compact footprint, affordable operation, and high-resolution growth monitoring make it a smart investment for academic labs, biotech startups, and production facilities alike.
Whether you're scaling ideas or just starting your next experiment, the RTS-1C helps ensure your microbial cultures are growing under the best possible conditions.
🔗 Explore the RTS-1C in detail:
https://www.grantinstruments.com/products/rts-1c-personal-bioreactor-with-cooling
