MKN BS-2F Digital Display Orbital Shaking Incubator

Overview

The MKN BS-2F Digital Display Orbital Shaking Incubator is an integrated environmental control platform engineered for simultaneous temperature regulation and controlled orbital agitation—designed specifically for microbial culture expansion, cell suspension propagation, enzyme reaction kinetics, and biochemical assay development in academic, clinical, and industrial life science laboratories. Its operational principle combines precise PID-driven thermal management with mechanically stable eccentric-drive oscillation, ensuring consistent mixing energy delivery across the entire working volume while maintaining tight thermal uniformity (±0.5 °C at setpoint). Unlike static incubators, the BS-2F enables homogeneous oxygen transfer and nutrient distribution in liquid-phase cultures without manual intervention, supporting reproducible growth of aerobic microorganisms, mammalian suspension cells, and recombinant protein expression systems under defined physiological conditions.

Key Features

• Microprocessor-based PID temperature controller with digital LED display for real-time monitoring of setpoint, actual temperature, and elapsed time
• Orbital shaking mechanism with adjustable speed (40–260 rpm) and fixed 20 mm amplitude—optimized for low-shear mixing compatible with sensitive cell lines and fragile aggregates
• Double-layer tempered glass observation window with anti-fog coating, enabling continuous visual assessment without compromising chamber integrity or thermal stability
• Forced-air convection system powered by brushless DC fan, delivering uniform airflow distribution and minimizing vertical/horizontal thermal gradients across dual-tier stainless steel shelves
• High-efficiency polyurethane insulation (≥50 mm thickness) and seamless 304 stainless steel interior—resistant to corrosion, easy to decontaminate, and compliant with GLP cleaning validation protocols
• Programmable timer (1–999 minutes) with auto-shutdown function; optional external relay interface for integration into centralized lab automation networks

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The BS-2F accommodates standard laboratory vessels including Erlenmeyer flasks (up to 2 L), test tubes, deep-well plates, and custom bioreactor sleeves mounted on its 470 mm × 370 mm dual-platform configuration. Its 25 kg total load capacity supports multi-vessel parallel experiments while maintaining mechanical balance at maximum rotational speed. The unit conforms to IEC 61010-1:2010 safety standards for electrical equipment used in laboratory environments and meets electromagnetic compatibility requirements per EN 61326-1. While not certified for sterile operation per ISO 14644, its smooth internal surfaces and absence of dead-air zones facilitate routine disinfection using 70% ethanol or hydrogen peroxide vapor—making it suitable for BSL-1 and BSL-2 applications when operated within validated SOPs.

Software & Data Management

The BS-2F operates as a standalone instrument with no embedded data logging or cloud connectivity. However, its analog voltage output (0–5 V DC) corresponding to chamber temperature is accessible via rear-panel terminals, enabling connection to third-party data acquisition systems (e.g., LabVIEW, MATLAB, or PLC-based SCADA platforms) for time-stamped thermal profiling and audit-trail generation. For regulated environments requiring 21 CFR Part 11 compliance, users may deploy external electronic loggers with password-protected access, calibration traceability, and immutable record storage—fully compatible with GxP documentation workflows during method qualification or stability studies.

Applications

• Cultivation of Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and other aerobic prokaryotes in LB, TB, or M9 media
• Maintenance of insect cell lines (e.g., Sf9, High Five) and hybridoma cultures requiring gentle agitation
• Enzymatic digestion optimization (e.g., restriction endonuclease reactions, ligations, phosphorylations)
• Antibiotic susceptibility testing via broth microdilution under standardized CLSI guidelines
• Seed train preparation for upstream bioprocessing, including inoculum expansion prior to bioreactor transfer
• Environmental simulation studies involving temperature-dependent metabolic rate analysis in phytoplankton or soil microbiomes

FAQ

Is the BS-2F suitable for CO₂-controlled cell culture?
No. This model lacks CO₂ regulation, humidity control, and sterilizable gas-tight seals—features required for adherent mammalian cell culture. It is intended for non-CO₂-dependent applications.
Can the oscillation mode be switched from orbital to reciprocating during operation?
Reciprocating motion requires mechanical retrofitting (e.g., cam assembly replacement) and is not field-configurable. Users must specify preferred motion type at time of order.
What is the recommended calibration interval for temperature accuracy verification?
Per ISO/IEC 17025 guidance, quarterly verification using NIST-traceable thermistors or PT100 probes is advised for routine QC use; annual full calibration by an accredited service provider is recommended for GLP/GMP environments.
Does the unit include overtemperature and motor overload protection?
Yes. Independent thermal cutoff (105 °C) and current-sensing circuitry automatically disable heating and shaking functions upon fault detection.
Are spare parts such as shelves, clamps, or fan modules available through MKN’s global distributor network?
Standard accessories—including reinforced stainless steel shelves, universal flask clamps, and replacement DC fans—are stocked by authorized regional partners and shipped with CE-compliant documentation.