INFORS Multitron Cell Advanced Orbital Shaking Incubator

Overview

The INFORS Multitron Cell is a high-precision, modular orbital shaking incubator engineered for demanding life science applications—including mammalian cell culture, microbial fermentation, photobioreactor studies, and high-throughput microplate screening. Designed and manufactured in Switzerland with over five decades of bioprocess instrumentation expertise, the Multitron Cell integrates advanced thermal management, five-point magnetic drive dynamics, and fully configurable environmental control (temperature, CO₂, humidity, illumination) within a robust, GLP-compliant architecture. Its core operating principle relies on precisely regulated orbital motion—driven by a center-mounted eccentric shaft and four peripheral force-distribution points—to deliver stable, low-vibration agitation across variable loads (20–400 min⁻¹; up to 1000 min⁻¹ at 3 mm amplitude). The chamber employs a dual-layer safety glass door, polyurethane-carbon fiber composite insulation, and a patented forced-air circulation system to eliminate thermal gradients—achieving ±0.2°C uniformity and ±0.1°C stability across its 250 L single-unit volume (750 L when triple-stacked). All critical electronics and motor assemblies are externally mounted to ensure operational integrity under high-humidity or sterilization conditions.

Key Features

• Five-Point Magnetic Drive System: Dynamically balances load distribution across asymmetric payloads—enabling silent, vibration-free operation even at maximum speed and full 55 kg loading.
• Modular Environmental Control: Factory-integrated options include IR-based CO₂ monitoring (0.1–20%, ±1% FS), sterile steam humidification (20–85% RH), tunable LED illumination (200 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹), UV germicidal irradiation, and antimicrobial surface coating (≥10⁵ log reduction, ISO 22196 validated).
• Ergonomic & Sterile Design: Downward-sliding, weight-bearing door forms an integrated work platform; precision-guided M-Tray slides on low-friction bearings and locks automatically at full extension; IPX1-rated waterproof chassis permits direct liquid cleaning and compatibility with autoclavable reservoirs (5 L Schott bottle, supports ≥20 days’ operation per unit).
• Intuitive Touch Interface: Capacitive touchscreen with ambient-light-adaptive backlighting, color-coded function keys, and real-time parameter cycling (temperature, speed, CO₂, humidity, time); supports multi-step programmable protocols spanning up to 9 days.
• Stackable Architecture: Three-tier configuration achieves 750 L total volume and accommodates >23,000 parallel assays (e.g., 18 microtiter plates per humidity-controlled, filter-capped box; up to 150 rpm on adhesive trays).
• Compliance-Ready Engineering: Built-in audit trail logging (via eve® software), 21 CFR Part 11–compatible electronic signatures, configurable alarm outputs (relay + Ethernet), and automatic power-fail recovery with parameter retention.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Multitron Cell accommodates diverse vessel formats—from 15 mL tubes to 5 L baffled flasks—and supports specialized accessories including adhesive M-Trays (eliminating clamps), static incubation shelves, light-shielding enclosures, and microplate-specific humidified containment boxes (sterilizable, ≤0.3% evaporation loss over 24 h at 150 µL volume). All wetted components—including steam generator plates, reservoir tubing, and filtration membranes—are constructed from 316L stainless steel or medical-grade polymers compliant with USP Class VI and ISO 10993 standards. Humidity and CO₂ control systems meet ISO 14644-1 Class 5 cleanroom requirements when paired with INFORS-certified HEPA filtration modules. The unit conforms to IEC 61010-1 (electrical safety), IEC 61326-1 (EMC), and EN 60529 (IPX1 ingress protection). Optional UV and antimicrobial surface treatments are certified per ISO 15714 (UV dose mapping) and ISO 22196 (antibacterial activity).

Software & Data Management

Control and data acquisition are managed through INFORS’ eve® software suite—deployable locally or via secure remote access (HTTPS/TLS 1.2). eve® provides real-time visualization of all active parameters, multi-axis trend analysis, automated report generation (PDF/CSV), and user-level permission management (admin/operator/guest). All setpoints, deviations, alarms, and manual interventions are timestamped and stored with cryptographic hashing for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance. Raw sensor data (including internal PT100 probe readings at multiple spatial locations) is logged at 1 Hz resolution and exportable for third-party statistical process control (SPC) platforms. Integration with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) is supported via OPC UA and RESTful API endpoints. Firmware updates are digitally signed and validated prior to installation.

Applications

• Mammalian Cell Culture: CO₂-regulated, sterile-humidified environment with anti-condensation direct steam injection; compatible with T-flasks, cell factories, and hollow-fiber bioreactors.
• Microbial Fermentation: High-amplitude oscillation (25/50 mm) for aerobic bacteria, yeast, and filamentous fungi in volumes up to 5 L; optimized O₂ transfer via orbital shear profiles.
• High-Throughput Screening: Simultaneous cultivation of >7,000 wells using humidity-sealed microplate boxes; 3 mm amplitude enables accelerated growth kinetics without shear damage.
• Photobiology: Programmable circadian lighting cycles (dawn/dusk simulation) with spectral consistency across chamber volume; validated for algal cultures, plant tissue explants, and light-sensitive recombinant strains.
• GMP-Grade Process Development: Fully traceable operation history, configurable deviation alerts, and hardware-enforced interlocks (e.g., motion halt upon door opening) align with EMA Annex 11 and PIC/S TR 18 guidance.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable load per shaking platform?
Each M-Tray supports up to 55 kg, verified under dynamic conditions at 400 min⁻¹ and 50 mm amplitude.
Can the Multitron Cell operate at sub-ambient temperatures?
Yes—when equipped with the optional side-mounted refrigeration module, the temperature range extends to RT−15°C (minimum 5°C below ambient) while maintaining ±0.2°C uniformity.
Is the humidification system suitable for sterile cell culture applications?
Yes—the stainless steel steam generator operates at 140°C, ensuring complete water vaporization and in situ sterilization; no standing water or biofilm formation occurs.
How does the five-point drive system improve performance over conventional shakers?
It decouples rotational inertia from payload asymmetry by distributing torque across four dynamically adjusted contact points around a central eccentric axis—reducing harmonic resonance and enabling stable operation at speeds where traditional three-point systems exhibit instability.
Are firmware and software updates validated for regulated environments?
Yes—all eve® releases undergo IQ/OQ protocol execution per GAMP 5; update packages include SHA-256 checksums, version-controlled release notes, and rollback capability.