Half-Baffle TUNAIR™ Polypropylene Erlenmeyer Flask Kit, 2.5 Liters

Additional Item Description:

They also provide better culture growth and productivity than standard Erlenmeyer flasks. The TUNAIR™’s high oxygen absorption rate is due to the unique baffling and turbo-vane closure design. The TUNAIR™ systems are designed to increase the availability of dissolved oxygen as well as improve cell yields.

The Half-Baffle Shaker Flask has two baffles that produce a vortex motion. The working volume is 1L. The Dri-Gauze filter is 0.22 micron and constructed of nitrocellulose. Each filter can be used 10 - 12 times. The Dri-Gauze filters can be autoclaved in the cap and left in place until a new filter is needed. The Dri-Gauze filters cannot be cleaned.

The flasks are constructed of polypropylene and resistant to most solvents.

All TUNAIR™ flasks and caps can be cleaned by soaking in water with a light detergent solution to loosen particulates and contaminants, then air dry.

Additional Key Details:

Flask Dimensions:

Flask Size: 2.5 L
Working Volume: 1 L
Base Diameter: 6.50” [16.51 cm]
Neck Diameter: 3.00” [7.62 cm]
Height: 10.75” [27.31 cm]

Height With Cap in Place= 12.75"
Weight: 0.02 lbs. [0.008 Kg]

Mixing:

Half-Baffle (2 Baffles): Vortex Motion

Shaker Speed:

1” Throws: 300-400 rpm or possibly higher
2” Throws: 150-200 rpm or possibly higher

Material:

All TUNAIR flasks and caps are constructed of chemical resistant polypropylene. All flasks and caps are fully autoclavable.

300 ml flask:

Allows for approx. 150 ml (max) of working volume for culturing cells

2.5 Liter flask:

Allows for approx. 1 liter (max) of working volume for culturing cells

Half-Baffle:

The bottom inside of the flask has 2 raised baffles. This configuration will generate a single vortex within the media inside the flask when fastened to an orbital shaker. The half-baffle configuration will allow for slower operational rpm of the shaker while maintaining the single vortex. Less splashing occurs with the half-baffle flask which results in less cell death and higher cell densities.

Two Piece Cap:

The 300 ml flask and 2.5 L flask both have a special cap and filter system that promotes gas exchange and maintains sterility of the growth culture during use. The inner portion of the cap unsnaps from the outer portion by pushing in the tabs on the side of the cap assembly and then pulling the insert out.

0.2-micron filters: 

There are two different types of 0.2-micron filters available for the TUNAIR flasks. These filters allow for maximum gas exchange while maintaining sterility.

Dri-Gauze – This is a paper filter than can be used approx. 6 to 8 times before having to be replaced. This filter can be autoclaved while in the cap, on the flask, for 6 to 8 times.

Silicone – This is a silicone filter that will last the life of the flask. This filter can be autoclaved while in the cap and on the flask for many times.

Cap & Filter assembly: 

Once you have the 2-piece cap assembly apart (either the 300 ml cap or the 2.5 L cap) place the corresponding filter size inside the cap and the re-assemble the inner and outer cap pieces making certain to align the tabs with their associated holes. Once clipped into place, make certain the filter completely covers the cap assembly openings. 

Attaching the flasks to your shaker:

IBI TUNAIR flasks can be used with nearly all standard shakers and shaker clamps. The 2.5-liter flask typically fits best into the 2-liter shaker clamp. The 300 ml flask typically fits best in the 250 ml shaker clamp.

Preparing and Cleaning the TUNAIR flask:

Your TUNAIR flasks are constructed of polypropylene plastic which allows them to be autoclaved. Once you have prepared your media inside the flask you can place the cap & filter on the flask and insert into the autoclave. Set the autoclave for wet cycle.   

Once you have harvested your cells, wash the TUNAIR flask in a mild dish soap such as Dove Dish Soap then rinse well with DI water. Do NOT rinse the Dri-Gauze filter between uses. The silicone filter can also be rinsed with DI water if needed. Observe the condition of the filters between runs to make certain there are no holes or tears in the filter. If there are, replace the filter immediately.

Cell Growth Evaluation of Commonly Used Shake Flasks:

TUNAIR™ flasks were compared to conventional flasks using four different types of microorganisms;Escherichia coli,Saccharomyces cerevisiae,Penicillium avellaneum, andStreptomyces chartreusis. The aeration capacities of the shake flasks were determined by the sulfate oxidation method, and the values shown below are presented as oxygen absorption rate (OAR) in mM oxygen/L/Min. The growth rates of E.coliandS.cerevisiae were expressed as optical densities (OD) at 555 mM. For S.chartreusisand P.avellaneum growth rates were evaluated by percent sedimentation. For E.coli and S.cerevisiae, the growth rates were determined after an 18-hour incubation period; for S.charteusis, a 24-hour incubation period; and for P.avellaneum, a 72-hour incubation period. Growth and OAR evaluations were carried out with 3-9 replicates and statistically analyzed using Turkey’s w-procedure. See results below.

Growth Chart:

Growth Morphology:

M, mycelial; P, pellet; MP, mixed mycelial. The mycelial growths mostly adhered to the walls of the flask, which accounted for the low overall sedimentation value.

Reference Papers:

1. Method to Increase the Yield of Eukaryotic Membrane Protein Expression inSaccharomyces Cerevisiae

2. Optimisation of Recombinant Production of Active Human Cardiac SERCA2a ATPase