Titan MS-4 Microplate Shaker
| Brand | Titan |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shanghai, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Manufacturer |
| Product Category | Domestic |
| Model | MS-4 |
| Instrument Type | Microplate Shaker |
| Timer Range | 0–9 h 59 min |
| Oscillation Frequency | 200–1500 rpm |
| Oscillation Amplitude | 3 mm |
| Temperature Control | Ambient Only |
| Platform Quantity | 1 |
Overview
The Titan MS-4 Microplate Shaker is a compact, high-precision orbital shaker engineered for consistent and reproducible mixing of microplates in life science laboratories. Designed specifically for 96-well, 384-well, and other standard microplate formats, it operates on the principle of controlled orbital motion—generating uniform circular displacement to ensure homogeneous suspension of cells, reagents, or assay components without splashing or cross-contamination. Unlike heated shakers, the MS-4 maintains ambient temperature operation, making it ideal for applications where thermal stability is critical—such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), cell-based assays, washing steps in immunoassays, and sample preparation prior to PCR or sequencing workflows. Its robust aluminum-alloy chassis and brushless DC motor deliver long-term mechanical reliability and minimal vibration transfer to adjacent instrumentation.
Key Features
- Wide-speed orbital drive: Adjustable oscillation frequency from 200 to 1500 rpm with ±5 rpm speed accuracy at setpoint, enabling fine-tuned optimization for sensitive biological samples.
- Precision-engineered 3 mm orbital diameter ensures efficient mixing across all well positions—even in low-volume (e.g., 20–100 µL) assays—without compromising well-to-well consistency.
- Programmable digital timer with 1-minute resolution supports durations from 1 minute up to 9 hours and 59 minutes; auto-shutoff prevents over-incubation and preserves sample integrity.
- Single-platform design accommodates one standard microplate (SBS-compliant footprint) with secure clamping mechanism to prevent lateral shift during high-speed operation.
- Low-noise, fan-cooled brushless DC motor ensures continuous duty-cycle performance with <45 dB(A) acoustic emission—suitable for shared lab environments and cleanroom-adjacent workspaces.
- Front-panel LED interface with intuitive button navigation provides real-time feedback of speed, time remaining, and operational status—no software installation required for basic use.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The MS-4 is compatible with all SBS-standard microplates including flat-bottom, round-bottom, and V-bottom polystyrene or polypropylene plates, as well as PCR plates and deep-well storage plates (up to 2.2 mL capacity). It has been validated for use with common biological matrices—including mammalian cell suspensions, bacterial cultures, antibody-conjugated beads, and viscous lysates (up to ~20 cP). While the unit does not provide active temperature control, its ambient-only operation aligns with protocols requiring strict thermal neutrality—such as pre-hybridization washes in microarray workflows or post-staining agitation in histopathology labs. The device complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for laboratory electrical safety and meets CE marking requirements for EMC (EN 61326-1) and low-voltage directive (2014/35/EU). It supports GLP-aligned documentation practices via manual log entries; optional external data logging can be integrated via RS-232 serial output (available on request).
Software & Data Management
The MS-4 operates as a standalone instrument with no proprietary software dependency. All parameter settings are retained in non-volatile memory after power cycling. For laboratories implementing electronic lab notebooks (ELN) or LIMS integration, the RS-232 interface (optional accessory) enables bidirectional communication for remote start/stop commands, speed/time configuration, and status polling. Audit trail functionality is maintained manually per GLP guidelines; while the base unit does not support FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic signatures, it is compatible with third-party validation packages when deployed within validated workflows. Firmware updates—when released—are delivered via USB-to-serial adapter and documented in Titan’s publicly accessible technical bulletin archive.
Applications
- ELISA plate incubation and washing steps
- Cell dissociation and resuspension in multiwell formats
- Antibody labeling and antigen-antibody binding kinetics studies
- Enzymatic reaction mixing prior to endpoint detection
- High-throughput screening (HTS) plate agitation during compound addition
- Microbial culture homogenization in antibiotic susceptibility testing
- Pre-sequencing library normalization and bead-based cleanup steps
FAQ
Does the MS-4 support temperature-controlled operation?
No. The MS-4 is an ambient-only microplate shaker. It does not include heating or cooling elements. For thermally regulated shaking, consider Titan’s MS-4T series (separate product line).
Can the MS-4 accommodate deep-well plates?
Yes—provided the plate height does not exceed 45 mm and the footprint conforms to SBS standards. Verified compatibility includes Corning 3673, Thermo Scientific Nunc 260251, and Greiner 781280.
Is calibration certificate included with shipment?
A factory calibration report (speed and timer verification) is provided with each unit. ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration services are available upon request through authorized Titan service centers.
What maintenance is required?
Routine cleaning of the platform surface with 70% ethanol; annual inspection of motor coupling and clamp integrity recommended. No lubrication or internal user-serviceable parts are required.
