ZiQi MLX-30 Microplate Centrifuge
| Brand | ZiQi |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shanghai, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Instrument Type | Benchtop Centrifuge |
| Speed Range | 500–3000 rpm |
| Maximum Relative Centrifugal Force (RCF) | 600 × g |
| Maximum Capacity | 2 × 96-well standard PCR microplates |
| Compatible Formats | 96-well and 384-well PCR plates, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) plates, skirted and unskirted microplates, 8 × 0.2 mL PCR strip tubes, single 0.2 mL PCR tubes (with optional adapters) |
| Operation Modes | Instant spin (pulse), timed run (1 s–99 min), speed-controlled run |
| Display | LCD with real-time parameter monitoring and on-the-fly adjustment |
| Motor | Brushless DC motor |
| Power Input | AC 110–220 V, 50–60 Hz |
| Power Consumption | 45 W |
| Fuse | 250 V / 3 A, φ5 × 20 mm |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 230 × 195 × 195 mm |
| Weight | 2.6 kg |
Overview
The ZiQi MLX-30 Microplate Centrifuge is a purpose-engineered benchtop centrifuge optimized for rapid, precise, and contamination-free pelleting of liquid contents in microplate-based workflows. Unlike general-purpose centrifuges, the MLX-30 employs a fixed-angle rotor architecture specifically calibrated to accommodate standard microplate geometries—ensuring uniform force distribution across all wells during short-duration spins. Its operational principle relies on controlled angular acceleration and deceleration to generate transient RCF (relative centrifugal force) up to 600 × g, sufficient to dislodge condensate, re-suspend pellet edges, or collect residual droplets from well walls without inducing thermal stress or sample denaturation. Designed for integration into high-throughput molecular biology, immunoassay, and drug discovery laboratories, the MLX-30 supports seamless transition between PCR setup, ELISA washing steps, and post-lysis sample consolidation—all within seconds.
Key Features
- Brushless DC motor delivering quiet operation (<55 dB(A)), minimal electromagnetic interference, and maintenance-free longevity—critical for shared lab environments and adjacent sensitive instrumentation (e.g., qPCR thermocyclers or microplate readers).
- Three programmable operation modes: instant pulse (1–99 s), time-controlled spin (1 min–99 min), and speed-defined spin (500–3000 rpm)—each adjustable in real time via intuitive LCD interface during active rotation.
- Dual-plate capacity accommodates two full 96-well plates simultaneously, with mechanical alignment guides ensuring consistent plate positioning and eliminating lateral slippage under centrifugal load.
- Integrated safety logic includes automatic rotor imbalance detection, lid interlock verification, and dynamic brake control to halt rotation within <2 seconds after command—reducing turnaround time between successive runs.
- Compact footprint (230 × 195 × 195 mm) and low mass (2.6 kg) enable placement directly on laminar flow hoods, biosafety cabinets, or crowded benchtops without structural reinforcement.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The MLX-30 accepts all ANSI/SLAS-compliant microplate formats, including skirted and non-skirted 96-well and 384-well plates used in PCR, RT-qPCR, ELISA, and cell-based assays. Optional adapter inserts allow secure processing of 8-tube PCR strips and individual 0.2 mL thin-wall tubes—eliminating cross-format workflow bottlenecks. All internal contact surfaces are constructed from corrosion-resistant anodized aluminum and food-grade ABS polymer, supporting routine decontamination with 70% ethanol, isopropanol, or low-concentration sodium hypochlorite solutions. The device complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for laboratory electrical equipment safety and meets EMC directive 2014/30/EU emission limits. While not certified for GLP/GMP production environments, its repeatable RCF output and audit-ready parameter logging (via optional USB export) support method validation per ISO/IEC 17025 and internal SOP documentation requirements.
Software & Data Management
The MLX-30 operates as a standalone instrument with embedded firmware controlling all motion profiles, sensor feedback loops, and user interface rendering. No external software installation is required; however, firmware updates are delivered via USB flash drive and validated using SHA-256 checksum verification. Parameter history—including date/time stamp, selected mode, rpm, duration, and final RCF—is retained in non-volatile memory for up to 500 cycles and exportable in CSV format for traceability. Though lacking native network connectivity, the device supports manual entry of protocol IDs and operator codes via keypad, facilitating alignment with paper-based or LIMS-integrated quality records. Audit trail functionality satisfies basic FDA 21 CFR Part 11 expectations for electronic record integrity when paired with institutional access controls and procedural documentation.
Applications
- Rapid condensate removal from thermal cycling plates prior to optical readout on microplate spectrophotometers or fluorescence readers.
- Post-wash centrifugation in ELISA and multiplex immunoassays to eliminate residual buffer carryover before substrate addition.
- Pre-sequencing library normalization—collecting bead-bound DNA fragments from 96-well AMPure XP cleanup plates.
- Cell pellet recovery from low-volume suspension cultures in 384-well plates during CRISPR screening workflows.
- Accelerated solvent evaporation in small-molecule compound libraries stored in DMSO-containing 96-well plates.
FAQ
Can the MLX-30 accommodate 384-well plates?
Yes—the rotor geometry supports both 96-well and 384-well microplates without adapters, though maximum RCF remains limited to 600 × g due to plate rigidity constraints.
Is there an option for temperature control?
No—the MLX-30 is a non-refrigerated centrifuge designed exclusively for ambient-temperature applications where thermal stability is maintained externally.
What safety certifications does it hold?
It conforms to IEC 61010-1:2010 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use) and meets CE marking requirements under the Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU) and EMC Directive (2014/30/EU).
Does it support regulatory-compliant data archiving?
Yes—parameter logs are stored onboard and exportable in CSV format; when combined with institutional metadata protocols, this fulfills foundational ALCOA+ principles for raw data integrity.
Are replacement rotors or adapters available separately?
ZiQi offers OEM-certified rotor assemblies and universal PCR tube adapters (P/N: ADP-MLX-02) with documented calibration certificates traceable to NIST standards.
