OHAUS VXMNFS Mini Vortex Mixer

Overview

The OHAUS VXMNFS Mini Vortex Mixer is a compact, refrigerated/heating vortex shaker engineered for precision mixing, homogenization, and cell lysis in life science laboratories. It operates on the principle of orbital shaking—generating controlled circular motion with a fixed 4.9 mm orbit diameter—to induce turbulent fluid dynamics within tubes and microplates. Unlike standard benchtop vortexers, the VXMNFS integrates active temperature regulation across a wide range (−20 °C to +65 °C), enabling thermally sensitive applications such as enzyme assays, protein stability studies, and nucleic acid handling without thermal drift. Its miniaturized footprint (≤17 cm × 14 cm) and single-platform design make it ideal for crowded biosafety cabinets, cold rooms, or modular lab workflows where space and thermal control are critical constraints.

Key Features

• Integrated Peltier-based temperature control system with ±0.5 °C accuracy across the full −20 °C to +65 °C operating range
• Digital timer with programmable duration from 1 second to 160 hours (6 days, 16 hours), supporting both countdown and continuous operation modes
• Precise speed control up to 2500 rpm with <±2% speed stability under load, ensuring reproducible shear input for comparative experiments
• Two operational modes: “Touch” mode for momentary activation via pressure-sensitive platform; “Continuous” mode for sustained mixing at user-defined setpoints
• Low-vibration brushless DC motor with sealed bearing architecture for extended service life and minimal acoustic emission (<45 dB at 1 m)
• Compact aluminum alloy housing with IP20-rated enclosure for dust resistance and compatibility with standard laboratory environmental conditions

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The VXMNFS accommodates standard tube formats including 0.2–50 mL conical and round-bottom centrifuge tubes, PCR strips, and 96-well microplates (with optional adapter). Its 4.9 mm orbit ensures efficient mixing of viscous samples (e.g., lysates, glycerol stocks, agarose suspensions) without splashing or foaming when used with capped vessels. The instrument complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment and meets EN 61326-1:2013 requirements for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). For regulated environments, audit trail functionality (via optional OHAUS Logger software) supports GLP/GMP-aligned documentation, including timestamped parameter logs, operator ID fields, and deviation alerts—facilitating alignment with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 data integrity expectations.

Software & Data Management

While the VXMNFS operates autonomously via its front-panel interface, it is compatible with OHAUS Logger v3.2+ software via USB-B connection. This enables remote configuration, real-time monitoring of temperature and speed profiles, and export of CSV-formatted session logs—including start/stop timestamps, target vs. actual temperature deviations, and cumulative runtime. All exported data retain ISO/IEC 17025-compliant metadata (instrument ID, firmware version, calibration status), supporting traceability in accredited testing labs. No cloud dependency or subscription model is required; data remain local unless explicitly transferred per institutional IT policy.

Applications

• Cell lysis optimization for bacterial, yeast, and mammalian suspension cultures under controlled thermal conditions
• Homogenization of tissue homogenates prior to Western blot or ELISA sample preparation
• Equilibration of cryopreserved samples during thawing protocols (e.g., −80 °C vials warmed at +4 °C with gentle agitation)
• Pre-analytical mixing of clinical specimens (e.g., whole blood, serum, CSF) to prevent analyte sedimentation prior to centrifugation
• Accelerated solubility testing of small-molecule compounds in DMSO or buffer matrices across temperature gradients
• Supporting ASTM D7281-17 (Standard Practice for Mixing Liquid Samples in Laboratories) through documented, repeatable agitation parameters

FAQ

Does the VXMNFS support external temperature probes for sample-level monitoring?
No—the unit regulates chamber air temperature only. For direct sample temperature verification, users should employ calibrated immersion probes placed adjacent to the vessel during method development.
Can the VXMNFS be operated inside a standard CO₂ incubator?
No—its operating ambient temperature range is 10–30 °C with ≤80% non-condensing humidity. Incubator environments exceed these specifications and may compromise Peltier efficiency and condensation management.
Is the platform autoclavable?
No—the aluminum platform is not designed for steam sterilization. Clean with 70% ethanol or isopropanol; avoid abrasive cleaners or submersion.
What is the maximum load capacity per tube position?
The platform supports up to 50 g per tube slot (e.g., one 50 mL conical tube filled to 45 mL); total platform load must not exceed 300 g to maintain speed and temperature stability.
How frequently does the unit require recalibration?
Temperature and speed sensors are factory-calibrated. Annual verification using NIST-traceable references (e.g., Fluke 1523 with dry-block simulator) is recommended for ISO 17025-accredited labs.