MKN MKN-150A Biochemical Incubator

Overview

The MKN MKN-150A Biochemical Incubator is a precision-engineered, dual-mode (heating and refrigeration) environmental chamber designed for stable, long-term cultivation and storage of biological samples under tightly controlled thermal conditions. Utilizing a hermetically sealed vapor-compression refrigeration system coupled with PID-regulated resistive heating elements, the unit maintains setpoint stability across its full operating range of 5–50 °C. Its thermally insulated chamber—constructed with 60 mm thick polyurethane foam insulation—minimizes external thermal interference and ensures uniform internal temperature distribution (±1 °C). The incubator is intended for continuous operation in academic research labs, clinical diagnostics facilities, pharmaceutical quality control units, and environmental testing centers where reproducible, non-sterile but contamination-minimized growth environments are required for bacteria, fungi, mammalian cells, plant tissues, and biochemical reaction monitoring.

Key Features

• Stainless steel (AISI 304) interior chamber with seamless welding and rounded corners for ease of cleaning and reduced microbial retention.
• Exterior housing fabricated from cold-rolled carbon steel with electrostatic powder coating for corrosion resistance and mechanical durability.
• Digital microprocessor-based temperature controller with LED display, enabling intuitive setpoint entry, real-time monitoring, and automatic deviation alerting.
• Top-mounted low-noise axial fan ensures gentle yet effective air recirculation, minimizing thermal stratification and supporting homogeneous sample exposure.
• Compressor protection circuitry includes time-delay startup (≥3 minutes) and brownout recovery logic to prevent mechanical stress during power cycling.
• Integrated interior LED illumination supports visual inspection without opening the door, reducing thermal load perturbation and contamination risk.
• Energy-efficient design complies with IEC 60335-1 safety standards for household and similar electrical appliances, adapted for laboratory use.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The MKN-150A accommodates standard-sized culture vessels—including Petri dishes (90–150 mm), multi-well plates (6–96-well), Erlenmeyer flasks (up to 2 L), and test tube racks—within its 150 L working volume. Its non-sterile, non-humidified environment makes it suitable for applications where moisture control is not critical, such as bacterial colony expansion, enzyme activity assays, seed germination studies, and long-term stability testing of reagents. While not certified for ISO Class 5 cleanroom operation or HEPA-filtered airflow, the unit satisfies baseline environmental control requirements outlined in ASTM E1753 (Standard Guide for Selection and Use of Laboratory Incubators) and aligns with general Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) documentation expectations for temperature traceability and operational logging. It is not intended for BSL-2 or higher containment use.

Software & Data Management

The MKN-150A operates via embedded firmware without external PC dependency. All temperature data—including setpoint, actual chamber reading, and elapsed runtime—is retained locally on the controller’s non-volatile memory for up to 30 days. Optional RS-232 serial interface (available upon request) enables connection to third-party data loggers or SCADA systems for automated recording compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with validated software platforms. Audit trail functionality—including operator ID tagging, parameter change timestamps, and alarm event logs—is supported only when integrated into a validated laboratory information management system (LIMS). No proprietary cloud service or mobile application is provided.

Applications

• Bacterial and fungal culture propagation in microbiology teaching and research laboratories.
• Enzyme kinetics studies requiring precise thermal stabilization between 10–45 °C.
• Seed viability and germination testing under controlled photoperiod-independent conditions.
• Long-term storage of temperature-sensitive biological reagents (e.g., antibodies, restriction enzymes) at 4–8 °C.
• Environmental simulation for ecotoxicology assays involving aquatic or soil microorganisms.
• Pre-incubation conditioning of cell culture flasks prior to CO₂ incubator transfer.
• Stability assessment of pharmaceutical excipients per ICH Q1A(R2) guidelines (non-clinical stage).

FAQ

Does the MKN-150A support humidity control?
No. This model is a dry-air biochemical incubator and does not include humidification or dehumidification subsystems.
Can the unit operate continuously for 24/7 applications?
Yes. It is rated for uninterrupted operation under ambient conditions of ≤40 °C and ≤85% relative humidity.
Is calibration certificate included with shipment?
A factory-issued temperature verification report (per ISO/IEC 17025 principles) is provided; full metrological calibration with NIST-traceable probe requires optional add-on service.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?
Condenser coil cleaning every 6 months; door gasket inspection quarterly; annual verification of temperature uniformity using calibrated reference sensors.
Is the incubator compatible with external temperature monitoring systems?
Yes—via optional RS-232 output, subject to protocol compatibility with host software (Modbus RTU or ASCII command set).