MKN MJX-160 Mold Incubator

Overview

The MKN MJX-160 Mold Incubator is a precision-controlled environmental chamber engineered for reliable long-term cultivation of filamentous fungi, yeasts, and other moisture-sensitive microorganisms under strictly regulated temperature and relative humidity conditions. Unlike standard CO₂ or general-purpose incubators, this unit employs a dual-loop PID control architecture—separate feedback loops for temperature and humidity—to maintain stable setpoints critical for sporulation studies, mycotoxin production assays, fungal morphology characterization, and ISO 17025-compliant environmental microbiology testing. Its operating range (5–50 °C, 45–90 %RH) aligns with ASTM D3273 (Standard Test Method for Resistance to Growth of Mold on the Surface of Interior Coatings in an Environmental Chamber) and supports protocols referenced in USP , EP 2.6.12, and CLSI M38-A3 for antifungal susceptibility testing. The chamber’s forced-air circulation system ensures spatial uniformity (±0.8 °C max deviation across working volume), minimizing thermal stratification and condensation risk—key considerations when cultivating hyphal networks on agar-based or liquid media.

Key Features

• Dual independent microprocessor controllers for temperature and humidity, each featuring LED digital display, real-time setpoint tracking, and adjustable ramp/soak profiles
• Integrated 254 nm UV-C germicidal lamp (15 W) with manual override and safety interlock—activated only when door is closed and chamber is unoccupied
• Stainless steel (AISI 304) interior chamber and rounded corners for seamless cleaning and compliance with GLP laboratory hygiene standards
• High-efficiency polyurethane insulation (≥60 mm thickness) providing thermal resistance (R-value) >2.5 m²·K/W, reducing energy consumption and ambient heat leakage
• Double-layer tempered glass observation door with low-emissivity coating, minimizing internal condensation while maintaining optical clarity
• Intelligent compressor management system incorporating 3-minute anti-short-cycle delay, high/low pressure cut-off, and automatic restart after power failure
• Front-accessible maintenance ports for filter replacement and humidity sensor calibration without disassembly

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The MJX-160 accommodates standard microbiological formats including Petri dishes (up to 150 mm diameter), multi-well plates (6–96-well), slant tubes, Erlenmeyer flasks (up to 1 L), and custom bioreactor inserts. Its interior dimensions (500 × 450 × 700 mm W×D×H) allow vertical stacking of up to four full-size wire shelving tiers (load capacity: 15 kg per shelf). All materials contacting the chamber environment meet USP Class VI biocompatibility requirements. The unit complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use) and EMC Directive 2014/30/EU. Optional NIST-traceable calibration certificates (temperature/humidity) are available for audit-ready documentation under ISO/IEC 17025 and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 environments.

Software & Data Management

While the MJX-160 operates via embedded front-panel interface, optional RS-485 Modbus RTU communication enables integration into centralized lab monitoring systems (e.g., LabVantage, Siemens Desigo, or custom SCADA). Logged data—including real-time temperature/humidity values, alarm timestamps, UV cycle duration, and door-open events—is stored internally for ≥30 days (1-min intervals). When connected to MKN’s optional DataBridge™ Logger (sold separately), users can export CSV-formatted reports with digital signatures, audit trails, and electronic batch records compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11 requirements. Firmware updates are performed via USB port using signed binary packages verified by SHA-256 checksum.

Applications

• Fungal isolation and identification workflows in clinical and environmental laboratories
• Accelerated mold growth testing per ASTM G21, ISO 846, and JIS Z 2801 for material biodegradation assessment
• Production of standardized spore suspensions for disinfectant efficacy validation (EN 13697, AOAC 955.15)
• Long-term stability studies of biologics and probiotic formulations under high-humidity stress conditions
• Educational microbiology labs requiring reproducible environmental replication for undergraduate mycology modules
• Pharmaceutical QC release testing of non-sterile products per USP and Ph. Eur. 5.1.3

FAQ

Does the MJX-160 support programmable humidity ramping?
Yes—the humidity controller supports up to 8-step time-based profiles, enabling gradual RH transitions (e.g., 60% → 85% over 24 h) to simulate natural colonization dynamics.
Is the UV lamp intensity calibrated and documented?
Each unit ships with a factory-measured irradiance report (µW/cm² at 1 cm distance), traceable to NPL UK reference standards. Annual recalibration is recommended.
Can the incubator operate continuously for 30+ days without intervention?
Yes—designed for uninterrupted operation under Class II biosafety cabinet-compatible conditions; mean time between failures (MTBF) exceeds 12,000 hours per IEC 60601-1 reliability modeling.
What maintenance intervals are required for optimal performance?
Humidity sensor verification every 6 months; UV lamp replacement every 8,000 hours or 12 months (whichever occurs first); condensate tray emptying weekly in high-RH operation.
Is third-party validation support available?
MKN provides IQ/OQ protocol templates aligned with ASTM E2500 and ISPE GAMP 5, plus on-site PQ execution services through certified partners in EU, NA, and APAC regions.