The ShakeReactor is a compact, single-use bioreactor system that attaches to standard 500 mL or 1000 mL Erlenmeyer flasks.
It transforms basic shake flask workflows into fully monitored, automated bioprocesses - enabling fed-batch, pH control, and real-time monitoring without altering your existing incubator or shaker setup.
Setup takes under 15 minutes. No cleaning, tubing installation, or calibration is required thanks to pre-sterilized single-use components. Everything fits in your existing shaker or incubator, and the system operates fully wirelessly through an intuitive visual interface.
The ShakeReactor has been successfully used to cultivate a wide range of organisms - from stem cells to complex fungi.
A non-exhaustive list includes:
Each unit is powered by a rechargeable battery and operates wirelessly. The standard battery lasts 9 days per charge. An optional double-capacity battery extends runtime to 18 days. Between runs, you simply recharge the battery or swap in a charged spare to prepare for the next experiment.
Yes. The ShakeReactor is designed to take up essentially the same footprint as a normal flask. It works with standard orbital shakers and incubators, including CO₂ incubators, as long as there is roughly 34–36 cm of headroom to accommodate the device on the flask. For high shaking speeds (>145RPM), atSpiro provides a clamp to secure the reactor to the shaker tray. The clamps are available for both 500 mL and 1000 mL flask sizes and bolt onto typical shaker platforms.
The system uses syringe-like volume displacement pumps. This design provides very accurate and reproducible feeding without needing calibration for tubing or pump rates. It is capable of delivering viscous media (e.g., 70% glucose) or aggressive chemicals (strong acids or bases).
Each experiment supports up to three separate liquid containers - each programmable with its own feed or trigger profile. Before a run, you fill the sterile feed containers with up to 50 mL each of the nutrients or reagents you plan to add. During the experiment, the ShakeReactor's Recipe controls when and how much to dispense from each container. For larger volumes of the same reagent, multiple containers can be loaded in parallel.
Yes. The system is built for parallelization. One BioHub can control a fleet of reactors, allowing you to run and monitor several parallel experiments. A single operator can setup to 26 units in parallel, making it ideal for screening or DoE studies.
By default, the BioHub uses a built-in 4G connection to sync with atSpiro’s cloud platform. This “online” mode lets you monitor and control experiments from anywhere via the internet, with data stored both locally and in the cloud. If an internet connection is not desired, you can configure a local-only mode where all data stays on the BioHub and your local network. In local mode, you would connect a PC to the same network as the BioHub and access the software there, with no data leaving your premises. In summary, internet access is not strictly required — it’s up to your preference for cloud convenience versus a closed local setup.
Yes. All experiment data can be exported for analysis. The control software allows you to export the recorded data (e.g. time-series of pH, DO, additions, etc.) in a standard CSV format. This makes it easy to import into analysis tools like Excel, MATLAB, or Python. Data ownership remains with the user - the system simply stores it and makes it accessible to you for download or further processing. There are no proprietary data formats to worry about; the focus is on ensuring you can readily use the results in your preferred analysis workflow.
While the ShakeReactor provides high-value features in a flask format, it does not support inline gas sparging or real-time biomass measurements. However, it offers an unmatched combination of cost-efficiency, speed, and scalability for early-stage and small-volume bioprocesses.
We’re here to help. Book a meeting with Toke Faurby, CEO of atSpiro, and ask any questions you have — no matter how big or small.
