MX100-4A Microplate Shaker

Overview

The MX100-4A Microplate Shaker is an engineered platform for precise, reproducible orbital mixing of microvolume samples in standardized microplates and small-format tubes. Designed specifically for life science laboratories performing ELISA, cell-based assays, immunoassays, nucleic acid hybridization, and high-throughput screening workflows, this shaker employs a brushless DC motor to deliver consistent horizontal orbital motion with a fixed 3 mm amplitude. Unlike heated or refrigerated shakers, the MX100-4A operates at ambient temperature—making it ideal for applications where thermal stability is not required but mechanical homogeneity and sample integrity are critical. Its compact footprint (280 × 270 × 110 mm) and lightweight construction (7 kg) support flexible benchtop integration in QC labs, core facilities, and academic research environments.

Key Features

• Four-position microplate platform accommodates up to four standard microplates simultaneously—including 96-well, 384-well, 24-well, and 48-well formats—ensuring efficient parallel processing.
• Brushless DC motor provides extended service life, zero maintenance, low electromagnetic interference, and stable speed control across the full operating range (200–1500 rpm under no-load; 300–1000 rpm under full plate load).
• Dual-parameter LED digital display shows real-time elapsed time and current oscillation speed, enabling immediate verification of protocol execution.
• Microprocessor-based timing system supports programmable intervals from 1 minute to 99 hours and 59 minutes, with automatic shut-off and audible end-of-cycle alarm.
• Ergonomic spring-loaded clamping mechanism allows rapid, tool-free loading and secure retention of microplates without lateral slippage or well-to-well cross-contamination risk.
• Optional 1.5 mL / 2.0 mL centrifuge tube adapter kit enables compatibility with common microcentrifuge formats—expanding utility beyond plate-based workflows into lysis, binding, or washing steps requiring tube agitation.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The MX100-4A is validated for use with ANSI/SBS-compliant microplates (e.g., Corning, Greiner, Thermo Fisher), including flat-bottom, U-bottom, and V-bottom configurations. It maintains uniform mixing performance across all wells—even in edge and corner positions—due to its balanced orbital drive geometry and rigid aluminum alloy platform. While not certified for GLP/GMP-regulated production environments, the device meets general laboratory safety standards (IEC 61010-1) and supports audit-ready documentation when paired with external lab information management systems (LIMS). Its ambient-only operation eliminates thermal drift concerns during kinetic assays sensitive to temperature-induced conformational changes (e.g., antibody-antigen binding kinetics).

Software & Data Management

The MX100-4A operates as a standalone instrument with embedded firmware; no PC connectivity or proprietary software is required. All parameters are set via front-panel membrane keys and verified on the dual-line LED display. For laboratories implementing 21 CFR Part 11 compliance, the unit supports manual logbook entry of run parameters (speed, duration, date/time, operator ID) and can be integrated into electronic batch records via external timestamped camera capture or LIMS-linked barcode scanning of plate identifiers pre- and post-shaking. No internal data storage or network interface is included—ensuring data sovereignty and minimizing cybersecurity surface area.

Applications

• ELISA and multiplex immunoassay plate washing and incubation agitation
• Cell suspension homogenization prior to seeding or harvesting
• Hybridization steps in DNA/RNA probe-based assays
• Antibody labeling and conjugation reactions in low-volume wells
• Enzymatic digestion and protein denaturation protocols requiring gentle yet thorough mixing
• Pre-analytical sample preparation for mass spectrometry or HPLC workflows
• Quality control testing of reagent lot consistency using multi-plate replicates

FAQ

Is the MX100-4A compatible with 384-well plates?
Yes—the platform accepts ANSI/SBS-standard 384-well microplates, though optimal mixing uniformity is achieved at speeds ≥400 rpm due to reduced well volume and higher surface tension effects.
Can the shaker be used inside a cold room or incubator?
No—it is rated for ambient temperature operation only (10–30°C, non-condensing environment). Internal electronics and motor thermal management are not designed for sub-ambient or elevated humidity conditions.
What is the maximum load capacity per plate position?
Each plate position supports up to 200 g total mass (e.g., four fully loaded 96-well plates with 200 µL/well yield ~80 g per plate); exceeding this may reduce speed accuracy and long-term bearing longevity.
Does the unit include validation documentation?
Factory calibration certificates are available upon request; users are responsible for periodic operational qualification (OQ) per ISO/IEC 17025 or internal SOPs, typically using calibrated tachometers and stopwatch verification.
Is the 1.5/2.0 mL tube adapter sold separately?
Yes—the accessory is optional and priced separately; it installs directly onto the existing platform without tools and supports simultaneous agitation of up to 24 tubes (12 per side).