INFORS Multifors 2 Parallel Fermentation System

Overview

The INFORS Multifors 2 Parallel Fermentation System is an engineered platform for high-throughput, reproducible bioprocess development in microbial, yeast, and mammalian cell culture applications. Built upon over three decades of parallel bioreactor innovation—originating with the Sixfors system introduced in 1989—the Multifors 2 integrates modular scalability, precise environmental control, and robust data integrity into a single compact footprint. Its architecture follows the Couette-type stirred-tank principle, employing magnetically coupled impellers to eliminate shaft seals and ensure sterility across multiple vessels operating simultaneously. Designed for laboratory-scale process characterization, strain screening, media optimization, and DoE (Design of Experiments) workflows, the system supports 2 to 12 independent bioreactors under synchronized or individually tuned control strategies. Each vessel operates with full parameter autonomy—including temperature, agitation, aeration, pH, and dissolved oxygen—enabling statistically valid comparisons across experimental conditions without cross-contamination risk.

Key Features

• Modular scalability: Configurable from 2 to 12 parallel vessels, each with independent PID-controlled temperature (via jacketed cooling/heating), agitation (100–1600 rpm, magnetically driven), and gas delivery.
• Flexible aeration architecture: Open-loop gas train supporting up to four independently controlled gas streams—via rotameters or calibrated mass flow controllers—with maximum flow capacity of 2 vvm per vessel.
• Dual-sensor compatibility: Interchangeable pH and pO₂ sensor options—including Mettler Toledo analog probes (pH 2–12; pO₂ 0–150 %) and Hamilton digital electrodes (pH 0–14; pO₂ 0.05–300 %)—ensuring measurement fidelity across acidic, alkaline, and hypoxic or hyperoxic regimes.
• Integrated peristaltic pumping: Three digitally addressable pumps plus one analog pump (speed-adjustable); optional analog expansion board allows addition of feed, base, acid, or antifoam lines with programmable dosing profiles.
• Off-line sterilizable design: All wetted parts—including vessel bodies, sensors, and tubing manifolds—are autoclavable at 121 °C for 20 minutes, compliant with ISO 13408-1 and EU GMP Annex 1 sterility assurance requirements.
• Ethernet-based real-time communication: OPC XML DA protocol enables seamless integration with LIMS, MES, or third-party SCADA systems while maintaining timestamped audit trails for regulatory review.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Multifors 2 accommodates standard working volumes of 300–1000 mL per vessel, compatible with bacterial (e.g., E. coli, Bacillus), fungal (e.g., Aspergillus, Pichia), and suspension-adapted mammalian cultures (e.g., CHO, HEK293). Its mechanical and electrical design conforms to IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity) and IEC 61000-6-3 (emission) standards. Sensor interfaces meet NAMUR NE 43 output conventions, and all firmware adheres to IEC 62304 Class B software lifecycle requirements. For regulated environments, the EVE software supports 21 CFR Part 11-compliant user authentication, electronic signatures, and immutable audit logs—validated for GLP and GMP-aligned bioprocess development.

Software & Data Management

Control and monitoring are executed through INFORS’ EVE Process Control Software—a Windows-based application supporting multi-vessel synchronization, recipe-driven operation, and automated event logging. EVE provides real-time visualization of all measured and calculated parameters (e.g., OUR, CER, RQ), with export capabilities to CSV, Excel, and MATLAB-compatible formats. Historical data storage follows relational database principles with configurable retention policies. The system supports secure remote access via VPN-tunneled Ethernet connections, enabling off-site monitoring without compromising network segmentation integrity. All data transfers comply with GDPR and HIPAA-aligned encryption standards (AES-256 at rest and TLS 1.2+ in transit).

Applications

• High-throughput strain selection and metabolic engineering validation
• Media formulation and feeding strategy optimization using fractional factorial or response surface methodology
• Scale-down model development for upstream process transfer to pilot- and production-scale bioreactors
• Bioprocess robustness assessment under parameter perturbation (e.g., pH drift, DO excursion)
• Regulatory filing support: Generation of comparable, traceable datasets for IND/IMPD submissions
• Academic and industrial teaching platforms for bioreactor fundamentals and process analytical technology (PAT) implementation

FAQ

Can the Multifors 2 be integrated into existing automation infrastructure?

Yes—via OPC XML DA over Ethernet, it interoperates with Siemens PCS7, Rockwell FactoryTalk, and DeltaV DCS environments without proprietary gateways.
Is calibration traceability provided for sensors?

All optional Hamilton and Mettler Toledo electrodes ship with factory calibration certificates traceable to NIST standards; on-site recalibration protocols are documented in the IQ/OQ/PQ validation package.
What level of cybersecurity is implemented in EVE software?

EVE employs role-based access control (RBAC), session timeouts, encrypted local database storage, and TLS-secured remote sessions—aligned with ISA/IEC 62443-3-3 SL2 requirements.
How is vessel-to-vessel variability minimized during parallel runs?

Each vessel features individual thermal jackets, dedicated gas spargers, and calibrated impeller geometry; inter-vessel CV for growth rate and metabolite titer is typically ≤3.2 % under standardized inoculum and medium conditions.
Does INFORS provide validation documentation for GMP use?

Yes—comprehensive URS, FDS, IQ/OQ/PQ protocols and reports are available as part of the GxP Support Package, including instrument-specific risk assessments per ISO 14971.