MAS 100 ECO Airborne Microbial Sampler (Imported, Germany)

Overview

The MAS 100 ECO Airborne Microbial Sampler is a precision-engineered, portable active air sampler designed for quantitative monitoring of viable airborne microorganisms in controlled environments. Based on the principle of inertial impaction—where airborne particles are accelerated through a precisely calibrated nozzle array and deposited onto the surface of a standard 90 mm agar plate—the device ensures high collection efficiency across a broad aerodynamic particle size range (typically ≥0.6 µm). Developed by Merck KGaA (Darmstadt, Germany) and distributed globally under strict quality control protocols, the MAS 100 ECO meets the functional and metrological requirements of ISO 14698-1 (Biocontamination control), ISO 14644-1 (Cleanroom classification), and EU GMP Annex 1 (Manufacture of Sterile Medicinal Products). Its compact architecture, low mass (2.2 kg), and battery-powered operation make it ideal for routine environmental monitoring in pharmaceutical cleanrooms, aseptic processing suites, food production facilities, hospital isolation rooms, and research laboratories.

Key Features

• Standardized Impaction Geometry: Utilizes a fixed 50-nozzle stainless-steel impactor head engineered for consistent airflow distribution and minimal particle bounce or re-aerosolization.
• Consumable Flexibility: Compatible exclusively with commercially available 90 mm Petri dishes; eliminates dependency on proprietary consumables—users may prepare custom media (e.g., Tryptic Soy Agar, Sabouraud Dextrose Agar, or selective formulations) in-house.
• Precision Volumetric Control: Eight pre-programmed sampling volumes (10, 20, 50, 200, 250, 500, 750, and 1000 L), plus fully adjustable manual mode (1–1000 L in 1 L increments); achieves 1000 L sampling in ≤10 minutes at nominal flow rate of 100 L/min.
• Environmental Compensation Algorithm: Internal pressure and temperature sensors dynamically adjust fan speed to maintain volumetric accuracy despite ambient fluctuations or variations in agar depth (3–25 mm).
• Delayed Start Function: Programmable time lag up to 60 minutes enables synchronized sampling across multiple locations or alignment with operational shifts.
• Intuitive Interface: Dual-button navigation (YES/NO) guides users through setup, calibration verification, sampling initiation, and data recall—no training required for GLP-compliant operation.
• Integrated Data Logging: Stores date/time stamp, total sampled volume, and cumulative runtime for each session; supports audit trail generation per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 (when used with compliant software interface).

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The MAS 100 ECO accepts all standard 90 mm Petri dishes filled with solidified microbiological media—including non-selective (e.g., TSA, SDA), selective (e.g., Malt Extract Agar for molds), and chromogenic formulations. Its impaction-based design complies with EN ISO 14698-1 Annex B for microbial recovery validation and has demonstrated ≥95% collection efficiency for Bacillus atrophaeus spores (1.0–1.5 µm) under ISO 8573-7 test conditions. The unit is CE-marked and conforms to IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC) and IEC 61010-1 (safety). While not intrinsically safe, its ECO variant is certified for use in non-hazardous areas; the MAS 100 Ex model (not covered here) carries ATEX/IECEx certification for Zone 1/21 explosive atmospheres.

Software & Data Management

Data export is supported via USB interface to PC-based applications such as MAS Control Software (v3.2+), which provides automated report generation, trend analysis, and electronic signature capability aligned with ALCOA+ principles. Raw logs include timestamped sampling events, volume confirmation flags, and system self-test results. All stored entries are immutable during active sessions and support retrospective review for regulatory inspections (e.g., FDA, EMA, PMDA). Optional CSV export enables integration into LIMS platforms compliant with ASTM E1578-18 (Laboratory Information Management Systems Standard Guide).

Applications

• Routine environmental monitoring (EM) in Grade A/B/C/D cleanrooms per EU GMP Annex 1 and USP <1116>
• Validation and requalification of HVAC systems and isolator integrity
• Microbial load assessment in food processing environments (ISO 21528-2, ISO 6887-1)
• Bioburden testing of medical device packaging and sterile barrier systems
• Research on bioaerosol dispersion dynamics and filtration efficacy studies
• Post-decontamination verification (e.g., after VHP or chlorine dioxide treatment)

FAQ

Is the MAS 100 ECO suitable for ISO Class 5 environments?
Yes—its validated collection efficiency and low particle shedding design meet the stringent requirements for Grade A (ISO 5) laminar airflow workstations when operated according to manufacturer-specified positioning and exposure duration protocols.
Can the impactor head be sterilized in an autoclave?
Yes—the stainless-steel sampling head is fully autoclavable at 121°C for 20 minutes; repeated sterilization does not compromise nozzle geometry or flow calibration.
Does the device require annual recalibration?
While no mandatory recalibration is stipulated by the manufacturer, annual verification of volumetric accuracy against a traceable flowmeter (e.g., dry calibrator per ISO 6781-2) is recommended for GxP compliance.
What is the battery life under continuous operation?
With fully charged NiMH battery pack, the unit delivers ≥4 hours of continuous sampling at 100 L/min, supporting multiple 1000 L sessions per charge.
Is firmware upgrade capability available?
Yes—field-upgradable firmware (via USB) ensures long-term compatibility with evolving regulatory expectations and adds features such as enhanced audit trail metadata and expanded language support.