Bactolift

Lofstrand Bactolift™ Device

The Lofstrand Bactolift provides an inexpensive alternative to the incubator shaker. It's a simple air sparge device that instantly turns your centrifuge bottles into growth chambers. Bacteria, yeasts, and other microbial cultures can be expanded by overnight incubation in your benchtop waterbath, incubator cabinet or warmroom.

Twelve one-liter units can be incubated in a standard 1 x 1.5 ft. benchtop waterbath, whereas only six 2.8 liter Fernbach flasks can be shaken in an incubator shaker that occupies 9 square feet of laboratory floor space. The Bactolift attaches to all standard 500ml and 1L centrifuge bottles. The threaded column of the Bactolift fits any 63mm centrifuge bottle thread such as: the Nalgene 1L, the Beckman 1L, and the 500ml or 1L DuPont Sorvall bottle. Following overnight incubation, the Bactolift is removed from the bottle, which is then transferred to the centrifuge for further processing. This precludes the need to transfer culture fluids from a shaker flask, thus eliminating the possibility of breakage or spillage.

Both the Bactolift and the centrifuge bottle can then be washed and autoclaved for reuse. The Bactolift is made of polypropylene and can be subjected to many cycles in the autoclave without adverse affect. The Bactolift is supplied with a 1L centrifuge bottle, 8 non-sterile filters, 100 disposable air diffuser stones, and 100ml of Lofstrand Antifoam. The air-flow control manifold consists of 6 flow gauges mounted on an aluminum plate. Tubing and connecters are provided, allowing for control of six individual Bactolifts operating simultaneously. Two air pumps are available. The standard pump delivers air at a rate of 6.5 liters /min., which is adequate to run up to 6 units. The high volume pump will provide air to 20 Bactolifts. A complete, functional system consists of one or more Bactolift devices, an air-flow control manifold, and a standard or high volume air pump.