JEIO TECH IM10 Compact Mold Incubator
| Brand | JEIO TECH |
|---|---|
| Origin | South Korea |
| Model | IM10 |
| Temperature Range | Room Temperature +5 to 65 °C |
| Temperature Uniformity | ±0.5 °C |
| Humidity Range | 20–95 %RH |
| Chamber Capacity | 11.6 L |
| Compliance | DIN 12880 |
Overview
The JEIO TECH IM10 Compact Mold Incubator is a purpose-engineered, benchtop-controlled environment system designed for reliable, low-footprint microbial cultivation—particularly for fungal growth, spore germination, and mycological quality control in pharmaceutical, food safety, and environmental testing laboratories. Operating on a forced-air convection principle with PID-regulated heating and integrated humidity control, the IM10 maintains stable thermal and hygroscopic conditions across its 11.6 L chamber. Its design adheres strictly to DIN 12880 (Laboratory incubators — Requirements and test methods), ensuring traceable performance validation for routine QC workflows under GLP-compliant environments.
Key Features
- Compact footprint (400 × 410 × 264 mm) optimized for limited bench space without compromising functional capacity—supports up to eight standard microtiter plates or four adjustable wire shelves.
- PID-controlled heating system with real-time feedback ensures minimal temperature deviation: ±0.5 °C uniformity at 37 °C, verified per DIN 12880 methodology.
- Dual-sensor humidity control delivers precise RH regulation from 20–95 %RH, enabling reproducible mold development studies across diverse hygrometric protocols.
- VFD backlit display with intuitive rotary knob and tactile keypad simplifies parameter entry, monitoring, and alarm acknowledgment—no software installation required for basic operation.
- Integrated safety architecture includes door-open alarm, overtemperature cutoff for both chamber and PCB, and automatic temperature calibration to maintain long-term drift stability.
- Transparent polycarbonate front door enables non-invasive visual inspection of cultures; interior lighting (optional) supports periodic observation without thermal disturbance.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The IM10 accommodates common microbiological sample formats including Petri dishes (up to 100 mm diameter), multi-well plates (6–96-well), slant tubes, and agar-filled containers. Its stainless-steel chamber interior and removable wire shelves facilitate rapid decontamination between runs. All thermal and humidity performance specifications are validated in accordance with DIN 12880, making it suitable for use in ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories conducting mold enumeration per ISO 21527-1 or USP . While not inherently 21 CFR Part 11 compliant as a standalone unit, audit trails and electronic records may be generated via external data loggers configured for GxP-aligned validation.
Software & Data Management
The IM10 operates as a stand-alone instrument with no embedded connectivity or proprietary software dependency. Temperature and humidity setpoints, current readings, and alarm status are displayed locally on the VFD screen. For continuous monitoring and regulatory documentation, third-party USB or Ethernet-enabled data loggers (e.g., Omega OM-DAQPRO-5300 or Testo 177-H1) can be interfaced via analog output ports (if equipped on optional configurations) or external probe integration. Users performing IQ/OQ/PQ validation may reference JEIO TECH’s factory calibration certificate (traceable to KRISS) and apply internal SOPs for periodic requalification per ASTM E2875.
Applications
- Mold and yeast cultivation for environmental monitoring in cleanrooms and manufacturing facilities (ISO 14644-1 Class 5–8).
- Stability testing of moisture-sensitive pharmaceutical intermediates under accelerated humidity conditions (ICH Q1A).
- Fungal identification workflows in clinical microbiology labs, including dermatophyte isolation and Aspergillus spp. growth profiling.
- Food and beverage spoilage analysis—quantitative assessment of Penicillium, Cladosporium, and Alternaria growth kinetics under controlled RH gradients.
- Educational use in undergraduate life science labs where space-constrained incubation of small-volume cultures is required.
FAQ
Does the IM10 support CO₂ or O₂ control?
No. The IM10 is a temperature- and humidity-controlled incubator only; it does not include gas regulation capabilities.
Is the chamber humidity independently controllable from temperature?
Yes. Humidity and temperature setpoints are adjusted separately via the front-panel interface, with independent sensor feedback loops ensuring decoupled regulation.
What is the recommended calibration frequency for routine QC use?
JEIO TECH recommends annual verification using NIST-traceable thermohygrometers; intervals may be shortened based on risk assessment per ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 6.5.
Can the IM10 be validated for GMP environments?
Yes—when paired with documented IQ/OQ protocols, calibrated reference standards, and change-control procedures, the IM10 meets baseline requirements for equipment qualification in pharmaceutical QC labs.
Are replacement shelves and trays available as accessories?
Yes. JEIO TECH offers optional perforated stainless-steel shelves (Part No. SH-IM10), silicone-coated wire racks, and custom-fit microplate holders compatible with the IM10 chamber dimensions.
