INFORS Minitron Shaking Incubator
| Brand | INFORS |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shanghai, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Domestic (China-manufactured) |
| Model | INFORS Minitron |
| Quotation | Available upon Request |
| Shaking Mode | Orbital |
| Shaking Diameter Options | 25 mm or 50 mm |
| Speed Range | 20–400 rpm |
| Tray Dimensions | 480 × 420 mm |
| Capacity | Up to 44 × 100 mL flasks or 3 × 5000 mL flasks |
| Temperature Range | Ambient +5 °C to 60 °C (Standard) |
| Chamber Volume | 160 L |
| External Dimensions (W×D×H) | 800 × 670 × 730 mm |
| PC Control Software | Labworldsoft (supports simultaneous control of up to 8 units) |
Overview
The INFORS Minitron Shaking Incubator is a precision-engineered orbital shaking incubation platform designed for reproducible cultivation of microbial, mammalian, and insect cell cultures under tightly controlled environmental conditions. Built on INFORS’ legacy of Swiss-influenced engineering and application-driven design, the Minitron integrates temperature regulation, orbital shaking motion, and optional environmental modules—including refrigeration, CO2 control, humidity management, and programmable LED lighting—into a compact 160 L chamber. Its core operating principle relies on consistent orbital agitation (with selectable 25 mm or 50 mm diameter) to ensure uniform oxygen transfer and suspension homogeneity across culture vessels, while maintaining thermal stability within ±0.3 °C across the working volume. The system is intended for use in academic research laboratories, biopharmaceutical process development labs, and QC/QA environments where traceable, repeatable growth kinetics are essential.
Key Features
- Orbital shaking mechanism with precise speed control from 20 to 400 rpm, offering high reproducibility for scalable culture protocols.
- Two standard shaking diameters (25 mm and 50 mm) configurable per application requirements—optimized for small-volume screening or high-yield fermentation.
- Refrigerated version enables stable low-temperature operation down to +4 °C, supporting psychrophilic cultures and temperature-sensitive protein expression studies.
- Large-format tray (480 × 420 mm) accommodates diverse vessel configurations—from microtiter plates and test tubes to Erlenmeyer flasks (up to 5000 mL), with maximum loading flexibility: 44 × 100 mL, 24 × 250 mL, or 3 × 5000 mL.
- Modular architecture supports integration of CO2 sensors (0–20% range), capacitive humidity control (30–95% RH), and full-spectrum white or wavelength-selectable LED arrays (380–780 nm).
- Robust stainless-steel interior and double-glazed insulated door minimize thermal gradients and condensation during extended runs.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Minitron supports a broad range of biological sample formats, including shake flasks, baffled flasks, roller bottles, deep-well plates, and single-use bioreactor bags (with compatible mounting adapters). Its chamber geometry and airflow design conform to ISO 13408-1 (aseptic processing of pharmaceuticals) guidelines for uniform temperature distribution (Class II, ≤±0.8 °C deviation). When equipped with optional CO2 and humidity modules, the system meets ASTM E1918-20 criteria for environmental simulation in cell-based assay development. All firmware and software components comply with GLP/GMP data integrity principles; Labworldsoft logs all parameter changes with user ID, timestamp, and audit trail—supporting FDA 21 CFR Part 11 readiness when configured with electronic signatures and role-based access control.
Software & Data Management
Labworldsoft serves as the centralized control and monitoring interface for the Minitron. This Windows-based application enables real-time visualization of temperature, speed, CO2, humidity, and light intensity across multiple devices. Users can define multi-step programs with ramp/soak profiles, set alarm thresholds with email/SNMP notifications, and export time-stamped CSV or PDF reports compliant with internal SOPs. The software supports concurrent management of up to eight Minitron units on a local network—ideal for parallel condition screening or lab-wide equipment consolidation. Raw data files are stored in open-format .txt or .csv structures, ensuring long-term readability and compatibility with LIMS or ELN systems such as LabArchives or Benchling.
Applications
- High-throughput strain selection and media optimization in microbial biotechnology.
- Transient transfection and stable cell line expansion under controlled CO2/pH conditions.
- Enzyme production and metabolic pathway analysis requiring precise aeration and thermal consistency.
- Seed train development for upstream bioprocessing, aligned with Q5B and ICH guidelines.
- Environmental stress response studies using programmable light-dark cycles and temperature ramps.
- Quality control of probiotic cultures, vaccine seed stocks, and diagnostic reagent batches.
FAQ
Does the Minitron support validation documentation (IQ/OQ/PQ)?
Yes—INFORS provides standardized qualification templates and factory-tested calibration certificates traceable to NIST standards. On-site OQ execution services are available through certified field engineers.
Can the unit be integrated into a central building management system (BMS)?
Via optional Modbus TCP or RS485 interface, the Minitron outputs real-time sensor values and status codes for BMS ingestion.
Is remote monitoring possible outside the local network?
When deployed behind a secure corporate firewall with port forwarding or VPN access, Labworldsoft allows authenticated remote desktop control and data viewing.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?
Annual verification of temperature uniformity and speed accuracy is advised; door gasket inspection and fan filter cleaning should occur every six months.
Are spare trays or custom fixtures available?
INFORS offers interchangeable stainless-steel and aluminum trays, as well as flask-holding clamps, magnetic plate carriers, and silicone mat inserts for vibration damping.
