Benchtop Bioreactor and Fermentor

Autoclavable benchtop fermentor and bioreactor with interchangeable vessels

Features of LAMBDA MINFOR Fermentor- Bioreactor

Bench top fermentor and bioreactor with smallest footprint
Biomimicking fish tail agitation - no shear stress to cells
Optimized vessel design: 35ml to 7 liter volume
Quick and precise temperature control using infra-red radiation heating
Easy to set up - No head plates and baffles
Suitable for all types of cells
Efficient O2 and mass transfer rate
No air flooding

MINIFOR Advanced kit
(Standard)

2 PRECIFLOW pumps

For the automatic addition of acid or base to maintain the set pH. Can also be used as a stand-alone pump

Storage bottles

Storage bottles for liquids with magnetic holders can get conveniently placed at the rear of the control unit

Parameter control

Each base control unit displays the measurement and regulation, low and high alarms of all the necessary six parameters:

Temperature

Agitation (0 – 1200 rpm)

Airflow rate (0 – 5 L/min in 0.01 L/min steps)
Internal MASSFLOW with proportional needle valve for precise control of the flow rate

pO₂

Parameter ‘X’
(For example: optional weighing module for continuous cultures, optical density (OD), Redox potential - ORP, conductivity, pCO₂)

Leaflet Minifor

Optional

Redox probe, OD measurement, Conductivity probe, pCO₂,

MINI-4-GAS automatic gas-mix, Weighing module
(Chemostat), Exit gas measurement, Antifoam system, Fermentation software, Automation software, Parallel runs

Accessories:

Quadruple sampling port with septum
For example: inoculation / seeding, feed, harvest, antifoam, addition of nutrients

Self-cleaning micro-sparger & “Fish-tail” stirrers

Glass out gas condenser

Cooling loop (not included in 0.3L vessel kits)

Overpressure valve

pH & temperature probe

pO₂ probe

Sterile sampling device

Fermentation vessel

Autoclavable vessel: 0.3 L, 0.4 L, 1 L, 3 L & 7 L with the working volumes from 35 ml to 6 L. Interchangeable glass vessels, according to the working volume requirement

Infra-red heating

No hot spots at any medium volume. Precise temperature control with the natural sun like way of heating

Small footprint

Footprint same as that of A4 paper for all working volumes, 35 ml to 6 L

Customise your MINIFOR	Basic start-up kit	Standard advanced kit	Build your own kit
Master control unit with microprocessor, MASSFLOW, internal software, display of parameters (°C, pH, pO2, air flow rate, stirring and ‘X’) and keypad	ü	ü	ü
Agitation: 0 – 20 Hz (0 – 1200 rpm), ‘fish-tail’ agitation discs	ü	ü	ü
Temperature: measurement 0 to 99.9°C in 0.1°C steps, automatic control, IR heating, cooling loop	ü	ü	ü
pH: measurement 0 – 13, automatic controller	ü	ü	ü
Acid and Base PRECIFLOW peristaltic pump for automatic pH regulation, storage bottles, magnetic bottle holders and lines	*optional	ü	*optional
Aeration: measurement with internal MASSFLOW, automatic controller	ü	ü	ü
DO (pO₂): automatic controller	ü	ü	ü
Measurement with DO probe	*optional	ü	*optional
Free parameter X: automatic controller, socket	ü	ü	ü
Alerts: high and low values of each parameter	ü	ü	ü
Sampling device	*optional	ü	*optional
Overpressure valve	ü	ü	ü
Microsparger	ü	ü	ü
Glass outgas condenser	ü	ü	ü
Fermentation control software (Fnet, SIAM), Laptop	*optional	*optional	*optional
Automatic antifoam control (no expensive probes needed)	*optional	*optional	*optional
Feed & Harvest pumps, Chemostat (Weighing module)	*optional	*optional	*optional
REDOX probe (ORP), controller, pump / massflow	*optional	*optional	*optional
pCO₂ probe, controller, pump / massflow	*optional	*optional	*optional
Conductivity probe, controller, pump / massflow	*optional	*optional	*optional
Turbidity / OD probe, controller, pump / massflow	*optional	*optional	*optional
Gas-mix / O₂ enrichment: MASSFLOWs 500 / 5000, software control	*optional	*optional	*optional
Exit gas measurement: Oxygen (OXYMETER), Carbon dioxide (CARBOMETER), Methane (METHAMETER), software for OUR, CPR & RQ calculation	*optional	*optional	*optional
LUMO, light and controller for PBR	*optional	*optional	*optional
Peltier cooling for medium and outgas / exit gas	*optional	*optional	*optional
Air compressor AEROSILENTO	*optional	*optional	*optional
	*optional	*optional	*optional

LAMBDA MINIFOR bench-top laboratory fermenter and bioreactor was developed as a result of the need to construct a small laboratory fermentor for volumes from 35 ml to over 6 liters.

The fermentor had to take up minimum space on the bench but with good access to all parts. Several fermentors should when placed side by side be suitable for the optimization of the parameters of growth of culture or optimization of bio-transformations etc.Based on long personal practical experience of fermentations we wanted to create a fermentor, which was easy to use and with the capacity to measure and control all the important parameters of the biological culture.

Each fermentor should be able to work independently or be connected to a PC for advanced regulation and extensive data treatment.

To keep the cost of the MINIFOR fermentor-bioreactor low, without compromising quality, several new ideas and innovations have been introduced:

Instead of a fermentor flask with a stainless steel cover, which is expensive, we use whole glass vessels with threaded fittings. They have been used for many years in cell culture and are proved to maintain perfect sterility.

Thanks to this concept, the MINIFOR fermenter-bioreactor is set up in shortest possible time.

Instead of a traditional propeller agitator, which requires an expensive motor and magnetic coupling, we have introduced a new up-and-down agitation.

A motor together with an inexpensive membrane perfectly assure sterility and produce an efficient mixing without formation of a vortex (no baffles needed). At the same time this type of mixing is gentler on cells and produces less foam. Novel biomimicking “fish-tail” stirring discs offer maximum mixing efficiency without cutting edges.

The culture is heated by heat radiation produced in a parabolic radiator with a gold reflector placed under the fermentation vessel. The heat is absorbed gently in the culture similarly to the sun heating water.

There is no overheating of the culture at any volume and expensive double-wall vessels with thermostatic baths are eliminated. At the same time tubing and cables disappear making the fermentor less complex.

As far as possible expensive pieces of equipment have been replaced by new high performance plastics.

By using modern microprocessors it has been possible to place all the electronics in the front part of the instrument.

This makes the fermentor unbelievably compact and eliminates the casing tower. Despite its small size six parameters are measured and controlled in the basic configuration of the MINIFOR.

Leaflet-LAMBDA-MINIFOR-laboratory-fermentor.pdf

Innovative Laboratory-scale Bioreactors — Overview and Benefits of LAMBDA MINIFOR

Bench-top Laboratory Fermentor-Bioreactor LAMBDA MINIFOR - Operational manual

LAMBDA MINIFOR laboratory fermenter and bench-top bioreactor at universities and high schools

LAMBDA MINIFOR laboratory fermenter and bioreactor - the solitary teamplayer in parallel processes

LAMBDA Peltier electronic cooling loop for Minifor fermenter-bioreactor

LAMBDA REDOX potential measurement for MINIFOR laboratory fermenter-bioreactor

LAMBDA INTEGRATOR replaces the need for optical density measurements in fermenters and bioreactors

How to compare the cost and real value of a laboratory fermentor-bioreactor

Fermentor control software

Leaflet

User Guide

SIAM -All in one industrial fermentation control software

SIAM Industrial fermentation software-Leaflet.pdf

User Guide

Power	Universal power supply for mains 100-245 V AC/50-60Hz, 560W, CE conform
Display	LCD 4 x 40 digits with backlight illumination
Dimensions	22 x 40 x 38 cm (W x D x H)
Fermentor vessel	Pyrex borosilicate glass with 6 to 8 threaded necks; 0.3, 0.4, 1, 3, 7 liter vessels
Temperature control	High efficiency 150 W infrared (IR) radiation heat source with gilded parabolic reflector
Regulation	From 5°C over RT to 70°C
Measurement	From 0 to 99.9°C in 0.1°C steps
Precision	+/- 0.2°C (0 to 60°C)
Sensor	Pt 100 incorporated in the glass electrode of the pH probe
pH control	Sterilizable pH electrode pH 0-14 with automatic temperature correction, two-point semi-automatic calibration and Variopin connector
Resolution	0.01 pH unit
Precision	+/- 0.02 pH unit
pO₂ control	Sterilizable Clark type oxygen sensor with fast response, automatic temperature correction, two-point semiautomatic calibration, dissolved oxygen (DO) control through regulation of the airflow rate
Range	0 to 25 mg oxygen/ l, in 0.1 mg/l steps
Air flow	0 to 5 l/min in 0.01 l/min steps, measured by precise mass flow meter, linearity +/- 3%, reproducibility +/- 0.5%
Control	Proportional valve controlled by microprocessor
Supplied air pressure	0.05 – 0.2 MPa (0.5 - 2 atm)
Agitation	50 W Vibromixer 0 to 20 Hz (0 to 1200 rpm) in 0.1 Hz steps (6 rpm) with 1 or more stirring discs; Sterility similar to magnetic coupling
Selectable parameter	An additional parameter can be controlled by the instrument (foaming control, weight (for continuous cultures), pCO₂, redox potential, conductivity, optical density, etc.); with standard 0-10V or 0-20mA output
Ports	One large quadruple sampling or additions port with four needles with LAMBDA PEEK double-seal connections, used for sampling, inoculation, antifoam, feeds, harvest, addition of correction solutions etc., additional double ports are available
Pumps	Up to 4 independent pumps (PRECIFLOW, MULTIFLOW, HIFLOW or MAXIFLOW) with speed variation from 0 to 100 % can be used with MINIFOR laboratory fermenter-bioreactor
Gas flow control	In addition to pumps, several electronic flow controllers with flow rate ranges of 0-5 l/min (MASSFLOW 5000) or 0-500 ml/min (MASSFLOW 500) can be used for the controlled addition of gases (e.g. N₂, O₂, air, CO₂) in cell cultures; freely configurable gas station module
Working temperature	0 - 40 °C
Working humidity	0 - 90 % RH, not condensing
Security	IEC 1010/1
Weight	7.5 kg
PC control	Complete PC control and data processing using the fermentation software FNet (for up to 6 MINIFOR fermenters) or SIAM (for an even higher number of instruments)

Laboratory fermenter and bioreactor MINIFOR: The solitary team player in parallel processes

Why is MINIFOR perfectly suited for your parallel processes?

Each unit stays independent“The MINIFOR fermenter-bioreactor is not only a solitary worker. You can also let it work in a team, in parallel cultures, without loss of independence in parameter regulation.”

Each LAMBDA MINIFOR unit is equipped with a control panel and display and shows at a single glance the set values and actual values as well as the high and low-alarms of each parameter. All parameters are regulated locally inside each fermenter unit.

This allows fast and precise parameter regulation and never having to worry about leaving a vessel unattended. A further advantage is that in case there are problems with one unit, the other units will still keep running. This is not the case when problems occur in a tower-controlled system.

I’d like to compare the data of the different runs. What about data saving, data comparison and remote control?

“MINIFOR is not a lone fighter – it also connects to others to exchange data.”

Several MINIFOR-units can be connected and controlled by fermentation control software on a PC. This allows you to have control of all connected fermenters remotely and to compare the culture parameters. The connection of several MINIFOR-units to the control software does not require additional licenses.

How important is the slow-down in parameter regulation when running 12 reactors in parallel?

“The number of connected fermenter units to the PC has no influence on the quality of the parameter measurement and regulation!”

An important aspect to consider – which, however, does not play a role in the LAMBDA MINIFOR parallel system because each MINIFOR fermenter comes with its proper regulation unit that measures and controls all parameters locally. As a consequence the quality of the measurement and regulation is not affected by long transmission times and dead times in regulation.

Of course this does not hinder the transmission of all fermentation data of each fermenter to be saved on your PC!

What happens, if the measurement and regulation of one parameter or even the whole unit fails?

“Everything is exchangeable – even the exceptional MINIFOR!”

A failure occurred? All other bioreactor units of your parallel system continue working, as if nothing had happened!

Not only can the fermenter vessel be removed from the base unit in seconds but also the peristaltic pumps and additional accessories. This offersdecisive advantages for maintenance and customer service:

Each pump or the whole MNIFOR-unit can be quickly and easily exchanged.

The parallel system adapts to your premises

“MINIFOR only requires minimal space, for example in the last corner of your lab or it can also stand in file on your laboratory bench – it’s your choice!”

In contrast to traditional systems, the MINIFOR-units do not need to stand next to each other in parallel processes, but can be distributed in your labs, depending on your lab space availability.

How much space does a MINIFOR unit require?

“Do you still have space for a sheet of paper? Then, there’s still place for the MINIFOR!”

Footprint: approximately a sheet of paper
Dimensions: 22 cm x 38 cm x 40 cm (W x H x D)

MINIFOR on the move

“Watch your MINIFOR because this handy fermenter can be carried away by a single person!”

Are you facing reorganization? Don't worry, MINIFOR goes along with (almost) everything: Weight per MINIFOR unit: 7.5 kg.

Furthermore the LAMBDA peristaltic pumps can be also used anytime as stand-alone instruments without the fermenter.

How can I work with such a compact instrument?

“MINIFOR does not drive you crazy – you also do not need to book a relaxation course.”

Although LAMBDA MINIFOR only takes minimal laboratory bench surface, the connections are easily accessible: The side necks for the probes and ports are arranged at an angle of 30°. The gained space allows for easy sterility.