MKN BS-1E Digital Display Orbital Shaking Incubator

Overview

The MKN BS-1E Digital Display Orbital Shaking Incubator is a precision-engineered platform for simultaneous temperature-controlled incubation and orbital agitation—optimized for microbial growth, cell culture propagation, enzyme assays, solubility studies, and biochemical reaction kinetics. Its operational principle integrates PID-regulated resistive heating with continuous orbital motion (20 mm amplitude, 40–260 rpm), enabling uniform heat transfer and suspension homogeneity without shear-induced cellular damage. Unlike static incubators, the BS-1E maintains consistent thermal distribution (±0.5 °C accuracy across chamber volume) via forced-air convection driven by a brushless DC fan, minimizing vertical and horizontal gradients. The unit operates within a biologically relevant temperature range of 5–50 °C—suitable for mesophilic bacteria, yeast, mammalian suspension cultures, and recombinant protein expression systems requiring controlled agitation.

Key Features

• Microprocessor-based PID temperature controller with digital LED display for real-time setpoint and actual temperature monitoring
• Orbital shaking mechanism with adjustable speed (40–260 rpm) and fixed 20 mm amplitude—designed for low-shear mixing compatible with sensitive eukaryotic cells and fragile aggregates
• Stainless steel (AISI 304) interior chamber with seamless welds and rounded corners to prevent contamination accumulation and simplify sterilization
• High-efficiency polyurethane foam insulation (≥50 mm thickness) ensuring thermal stability and energy conservation during extended operation
• Dual-pane tempered glass viewing window providing optical clarity while maintaining thermal integrity and operator safety
• Programmable mechanical timer (1–999 minutes) with auto-shutdown function for unattended overnight experiments
• Robust 600 W heating system with overtemperature protection circuitry compliant with IEC 60335-1 safety standards
• Large-capacity oscillation tray (470 × 370 mm) supporting standard flasks (up to 2 L), culture bottles, and multi-well plates with secure clamping options

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The BS-1E accommodates common laboratory vessels including Erlenmeyer flasks (50–2000 mL), baffled flasks, serum bottles, and stacked microplate carriers—ensuring compatibility with aerobic cultivation protocols under ISO 8573-1 (compressed air quality) and CLSI M22-A3 (microbiological incubation standards). While not certified for regulated GMP environments, its construction and control architecture align with foundational GLP documentation requirements: all parameter changes are manually logged, and the timer function supports protocol-defined run durations traceable in experimental records. The device meets CE marking criteria for electromagnetic immunity (IEC 61000-6-2) and emission limits (IEC 61000-6-3), and its stainless steel chamber complies with FDA-recommended materials for non-sterile lab equipment (21 CFR Part 11 Annex A guidance).

Software & Data Management

The BS-1E operates as a standalone instrument with no embedded data logging or network interface. All operational parameters—including set temperature, current temperature, speed, and remaining time—are displayed locally on the front-panel LED screen. Users must manually record settings and observations in lab notebooks or LIMS-integrated spreadsheets. For audit-ready workflows, integration with external USB data loggers (e.g., Omega OM-DAQPRO-5300 series) is feasible via analog output expansion ports (available upon request from MKN technical support). Though lacking FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic signatures or audit trails, the unit supports ALCOA+ principles when used within documented SOPs requiring manual entry validation and review.

Applications

• Aerobic bacterial and fungal cultivation in nutrient broth or defined media
• Suspension-adapted mammalian cell line expansion (e.g., CHO, HEK293) prior to bioreactor inoculation
• Enzyme kinetic assays requiring constant mixing to minimize diffusion-limited substrate depletion
• Antibiotic susceptibility testing using broth microdilution formats under standardized agitation
• Soil microbiome enrichment cultures and environmental isolate screening
• Protein solubilization and refolding studies where gentle orbital motion prevents aggregation
• Teaching laboratories for undergraduate microbiology, biochemistry, and biotechnology courses

FAQ

Is the BS-1E suitable for CO₂-dependent cell cultures?
No. This model lacks CO₂ regulation, humidification, or pH monitoring capabilities. It is intended for ambient-air applications only.
Can the oscillation mode be switched from orbital to reciprocating?
Reciprocating motion is available as a factory-configurable option—not user-switchable. Contact MKN technical support prior to purchase to specify this configuration.
What is the maximum flask size supported on the standard tray?
The 470 × 370 mm tray accommodates up to four 2 L Erlenmeyer flasks or eight 1 L flasks when properly balanced and secured with universal clamps.
Does the unit include overtemperature or motor failure safeguards?
Yes. Independent bimetallic thermal cutoff (100 °C) and motor current monitoring circuitry trigger immediate shutdown if anomalies exceed preset thresholds.
Is calibration documentation provided with shipment?
A factory-verified temperature calibration certificate (traceable to NIST standards) is available upon request at time of order; it is not included by default.