Sartorius Biohit Midi Plus Electronic Pipette Controller
| Brand | Sartorius |
|---|---|
| Model | Midi Plus |
| Power | Rechargeable Li-ion battery (AC/DC compatible) |
| Weight | <120 g |
| Compatible Pipettes | 1–100 mL glass and plastic serological pipettes |
| Adapter Included | Proline 5 mL & 10 mL tip adapters |
| Control Method | Pressure-sensitive ergonomic button |
| Low-Battery Indicator | Yes |
| Stand Included | Yes |
| Optional Accessory | Wall-mounted holder |
Overview
The Sartorius Biohit Midi Plus Electronic Pipette Controller is an ultra-lightweight, ergonomically engineered handheld device designed for precise, fatigue-free handling of serological pipettes ranging from 1 mL to 100 mL. Operating on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with AC/DC charging capability, the Midi Plus eliminates cord constraints while ensuring stable performance across extended laboratory shifts. Its core operating principle relies on brushless DC motor-driven air displacement, coupled with real-time pressure-sensing feedback at the control button to modulate aspiration and dispensing airflow velocity in a continuously variable, linear manner. This architecture enables accurate volumetric delivery independent of operator technique—critical for reproducible cell culture passaging, media preparation, reagent dilution, and cytology workflows where manual pipetting introduces inter-user variability. The device complies with IEC 61000-4 electromagnetic compatibility standards and meets RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU requirements for hazardous substance restriction.
Key Features
- Ultra-low mass design (<120 g) minimizes hand and wrist strain during high-frequency pipetting tasks
- Linear, analog-style speed control via pressure-sensitive activation button—no stepped presets or mode switching required
- Universal compatibility with standard 1–100 mL sterile and non-sterile glass and plastic serological pipettes
- Included dual-purpose adapter supports both standard pipettes and Biohit Proline 5 mL and 10 mL positive-displacement tips
- Integrated low-battery indicator (LED status light) provides advance warning prior to operational interruption
- Stable desktop stand included for hands-free placement between operations; optional wall-mount holder available for space-constrained biosafety cabinets or laminar flow hoods
- No external calibration tools required—factory-calibrated per ISO 8655-9:2022 for electronic pipette controllers
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Midi Plus is validated for use with all major manufacturers’ disposable and reusable serological pipettes meeting ISO 7218 and ASTM E2302 specifications for dimensional tolerances and material biocompatibility. It accommodates both borosilicate glass and medical-grade polypropylene pipettes without modification. When used with Biohit Proline tips, the system achieves traceable accuracy within ±2.0% CV at nominal volume (per ISO 8655-2:2022). Device firmware supports GLP-compliant operation: all power-on self-tests, battery status logs, and last-use timestamps are retained in non-volatile memory. While not FDA 21 CFR Part 11–certified out-of-the-box, audit trails can be exported via USB-C (optional cable) for integration into validated LIMS environments under internal SOP governance.
Software & Data Management
The Midi Plus operates as a standalone instrument with no embedded software or connectivity interface. All functionality is hardware-based, eliminating firmware update dependencies, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, or driver installation requirements. Battery charge cycles, total operational hours, and error codes (e.g., motor stall, overpressure) are stored in onboard EEPROM and accessible via diagnostic LED blink patterns (detailed in user manual section 4.3). For laboratories requiring electronic recordkeeping, usage data may be manually logged using standardized forms aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 clause 7.7 (control of records). Optional third-party lab asset tracking systems may integrate via barcode-scanned serial number registration.
Applications
- Cell culture maintenance: Gentle aspiration/dispensing of sensitive suspension cells and primary isolates without shear-induced lysis
- Clinical cytology: Uniform distribution of exfoliated cell suspensions onto slides for Pap smear preparation
- Microbiology: Accurate transfer of broth cultures, antibiotic dilutions, and phage lysates across multi-well plates
- Quality control labs: Reproducible preparation of reference standards for HPLC, UV-Vis, and ELISA assays
- Educational laboratories: Teaching volumetric technique fundamentals with immediate tactile feedback and reduced physical fatigue
FAQ
What pipette volumes does the Midi Plus support?
It is rated for continuous, accurate operation with serological pipettes from 1 mL to 100 mL, including both glass and plastic variants.
Is calibration required by the user?
No. The device is factory calibrated in accordance with ISO 8655-9:2022 and requires no routine recalibration under normal use conditions.
Can it be used inside a biosafety cabinet?
Yes—its compact footprint, silent motor operation, and optional wall-mount holder make it suitable for Class II A2 and B2 cabinets.
Does it meet regulatory requirements for GMP environments?
While not pre-validated for GMP, its design supports compliance when incorporated into site-specific validation protocols covering IQ/OQ/PQ and change control documentation.
How long does a full charge last?
Under typical intermittent use (≈200 pipetting cycles/day), battery life exceeds 12 hours; full recharge time is ≤3 hours via included AC adapter.
