Laminar flow hood isolator: The core solution for aseptic barriers and closed operations

The laminar flow hood isolator is an advanced closed system. It combines the one-way clean air flow principle of the laminar flow hood with a physical sealing barrier to create a highly controlled, sterile, and protected environment. It is mainly used in industries with extremely high requirements for absolute sterility or airtightness.

The following are its key functions and features:

• Laminar airflow:

Air filtered through HEPA or ULPA is sent into the working area in a unidirectional (laminar) manner.

This airflow sweeps particles away from the critical working area, maintaining an ISO 5 level or cleaner environment. The airflow direction can be vertical or horizontal, depending on the design and application requirements.

• Physical barrier (isolation):

The critical work area is enclosed within a rigid enclosure (typically a stainless steel frame with transparent polycarbonate or glass panels).

This barrier physically separates the internal environment from the external room and the operators.

• Operation method:

Glove Ports: Sealed sleeves are connected to the gloves, allowing the operator to operate the internal items without breaking the barrier.

RTPs or SBVs: Enable the materials/equipment to enter and exit the isolator in a completely sealed state, avoiding exposure to the external environment.

Air Locks/Pass-Through Chambers: Small compartments used for decontamination of materials before entering or exiting the isolator.

• Disinfection/sterilization system:

The entire internal environment can be sterilized or disinfected in situ.

Steam hydrogen peroxide (VHP) is the most commonly used method, which can effectively kill bacteria, viruses, fungi and spores.

Other methods include chlorine dioxide gas, peracetic acid vapor or dry heat (less used).

• Pressure Control:

It is possible to control the pressure within the isolator relative to the surrounding room:

Positive Pressure: Prevents external contaminants from entering (used for aseptic assurance, such as aseptic filling).

Negative Pressure: Prevents internal hazardous substances from escaping (used for containment of highly active compounds or pathogens, sometimes referred to as a closed isolator).

• Applications:

Filling of sterile drugs (vials, pre-filled syringes, ampoules).

Producing sterile ophthalmic preparations, injections and biological products.

Production of cell and gene therapies.

Handling sterile components and equipment.

Microbial testing.

Advanced electronic manufacturing.