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MixMate®
The 3-in-1 mixer for plates, tubes and vortex mixing. This high speed instrument guarantees complete mixing of your samples in seconds. Outstanding 2DMix-Control provides optimised mixing with anti-spill technology.
Compact and amazingly versatile, benchtop MixMate can be used for virtually any mixing application. It accommodates micro test tubes, PCR plates, deepwell plates and MTPs. It features an integrated vortexing function and an operating concept that is as simple as it is intelligent.
2DMix-Control: uniquely fast and controlled mixing movement.
Current findings show that rpm speed is not the only determining factor in efficiently mixing small volumes. More often, the perfect mixing process occurs when parameters such as speed, type of mixing movement (e.g., orbital) and the mixing radius are optimised to smoothly run together. Eppendorf has perfected how these parameters interact in MixMate, and we have named this feature 2DMix-Control.
Optimised mixing Perfect mixing radius combined with perfect, 2-dimension mixing and adjustable mixing speed ensure rapid and complete mixing of even the smallest volumes.
Anti-spill technology Perfectly controlled 2-dimension mixing prevents spilling and/or lid wetting, eliminating any need for centrifugation after mixing.
PhysioCare Concept® Eppendorf PhysioCare Concept® is easy to use and comfortable products to ensure efficient and flawless workmanship protection against health damage.
Product Features
Mixing in a 3-in-1 format
Plates (up to 96- and 384-well formats)
PCR plates (skirted, semi-skirted, unskirted)
Deepwell plates
MTPs
Tubes
0.2 ml PCR tubes and PCR strips
0.5 ml micro test tubes
1.5 ml micro test tubes
2.0 ml micro test tubes
Vortexing numerous tube formats
Key Benefits
2DMix-Control
Optimised mixing
Anti-spill technology
3-in-1 format allows great flexibility
Preprogrammed soft keys
Reliable universal holder
Automatic imbalance detection — a common feature in centrifuges
Digital display
Extremely quiet operation (<50 dB(A))
Integrated vortex function
Minimal hand-arm vibration transfer during vortexing (PhysioCare Concept™)
You can use either the touch vortexer at 3,500 rpm, or vortexing can be set to continuous by setting the mixing rate and mixing period to a range between 300 and 3,000 rpm. In continuous vortexing mode vortexing at mixing frequencies between 2,000 rpm and 3,000 rpm may occasionally activate the automatic imbalance detector.
MixMate's automatic imbalance sensor, which prevents plates and tubes from jumping out during the mixing process, may be occasionally initiated during continuous vortexing at speeds between 2,000 and 3,000 rpm. Safety when mixing plates is of utmost priority, therefore this feature cannot be technically altered.
MixMate's automatic imbalance sensor determined irregularities during the mixing process and, for safety reasons reduced the mixing rate to prevent the plate or tubes from jumping out of the holder. This may be attributed to one or more of the following This may be attributed to one or more of the following reasons: <br />- Plates are not correctly seated, or they do not comply with the SBS format<br />- tube holders have not been properly inserted, or they have been unequally loaded<br />- the mixing rate has been set too high for the weight of the mixing material<br />- In continuous vortexing mode vortexing at frequencies between 2,000 rpm and 3,000 rpm may occasionally activate the automatic imbalance detector.
The tube holders may not have been properly inserted into the Universal Holder. Check to make sure that the lugs on the rear side of the tube holder are properly latched into the holes of the Universal Holder.
No, MixMate is a mixing device. For tempering (heating, cooling) of plates or tubes we recommend the Eppendorf Thermomixers or Eppendorf ThermoStat plus.
Yes, MixMate can be operated at ambient temperatures of 2 – 40°C and a relative air humidity of 10 – 75 %. A note of caution: Condensate formation may damage electronic components! After using MixMate in a cold room, wait one hour before reconnecting the device to the power supply.
MixMate's ventilation concept enables the installed fans to take in cool air from above while dissipating the heated air from the bottom of the device. Thus, waste heat does not come into contact with the sample material. Internal tests have shown that even after 3 hours of continuous operation at 3,000 rpm, a sample will be heated by no more than max. 2-3°C.
You can either deactivate the signal tone (VOL0) or choose between three different volume settings (VOL1 – VOL3). To do so use the arrow key to select "M-1 VOL" in the menu. After pressing the "Menu/Enter" button you can edit the settings.
Yes, to do so please contact your local Eppendorf dealer. The catalog numbers for the tube holders are: <br />- Tube Holder PCR 96: 5353 040.113 (Eppendorf North America: 022674005)<br />- Tube Holder 0.5 ml: 5353 040.121 (Eppendorf North America: 022674021)<br />- Tube Holder 1.5/2.0 ml: 5353 040.130 (Eppendorf North America: 022674048)
Yes, during continuous vortexing: Set the required mixing rate (300 – 3,000 rpm) and mixing period (15 s – 99.5 h; continuous) using the keypad, and then start the vortexing process using the "start/stop" key. You can use the complete rubber mat in the MixMate's Universal Holder for vortexing. Touch-vortexing mode is inactivated during continuous vortexing.
Yes, cell culture plates can be used on MixMate – as long as they comply with the SBS Standard for Microplates, and they can be mixed at a minimum mixing rate of 300 rpm.
The applied mixing frequency is too high for your experimental setup. To determine the optimal mixing frequency for your experiment please proceed as follows: Reduce the mixing frequency by approx. 500 rpm and insert a PCR plate with samples at the bottom of the wells (no bubbles). Increase the mixing frequency gradually until bubbles are formed. The optimal mixing speed is 50 – 100 rpm below this value.
They have a limited resistance against UV light. Whereas the proportion of UV light within daylight does not harm the material, exposure to special UV lamps will damage the material and lead to discoloration. Therefore, we do not recommend disinfecting MixMate.
The risk of lid wetting depends on factors such as tube size, chosen mixing speed, filling volume and the properties of the sample material (e.g., buffer composition, viscosity, density). To easily configure your optimum mixing parameters, despite this multitude of variables, MixMate is equipped with preprogrammed soft keys for fast and controlled mixing in the majority of standard applications. If the parameters for your particular application are not ideal, then use the soft keys as a basis for determining the optimum conditions for your applications.
2DMix-Control technology describes MixMate’s ability to mix small sample volumes from 5 µl to 2 ml in various plate and tube formats quickly and in a controlled manner. It has to do with the way MixMate’s features for efficient and controlled mixing interplay, resulting in: <br />- Generation of sufficient mixing energy: MixMate’s orbital mixing movement at a high mixing speed (max. 3,000 rpm) and a relatively large mixing radius (1.5 mm) generates enough mixing energy (analogous to g-force in centrifuges) to mix even the smallest volumes efficiently.<br />- Minimized loss of mixing energy: During MixMate’s development, special attention was paid to reducing inherent vibration. Its smooth operation combined with its reliable stability ensures that all the mixing energy is available for mixing and not wasted through transmission of vibrations to the device or its surroundings.<br />- Controlled transmission of energy from the device to the sample: Minimizing vertical movements enable a plane, 2-dimensional (2D) mixing stroke. This, in conjunction with the reliable plate and tube holders, prevents uncontrolled chaotic movements and allows all formats to be held securely, even at high mixing frequencies.
In addition to the 2DMix-Control technology, which enables fast and controlled mixing of small volumes from 5 µl to 2 ml, MixMate also provides these safety & convenience benefits: <br />- 3-in-1 format: Mixes plates, tubes and vortexes<br />- Soft keys, make it easier to configure the optimum mixing parameters<br />- Digital display for maximum reproducibility of experimental conditions<br />- Automatic imbalance detection, prevents plates from jumping out<br />- Remarkably silent: noise level <50 dB(A)
The Society for Biomolecular Sciences (<a href="https://www.slas.org/SLAS/assets/File/ANSI_SLAS_2-2004_HeightDimensions.pdf" target="_blank">SBS</a>) collaborates with other institutions to develop standards for micro test plates – the objective is to standard the various formats for easier automation.<br />For use with MixMate the footprint of plates should meet the following specifications: <br />- Rectangular plate<br />- Length = 127.76 mm +/- 0.5 mm; width = 85.48 mm +/- 0.5 mm<br />- The footprint must be continuos and uninterrupted around the base of the plate.
Due to the fact that deepwell plates accommodate a variety of different vessel geometries (based on height of plate, maximum fill volume, shape of the wells) and can be used with different fill volumes, it is not possible to make a general statement about the most suitable soft keys or the ideal mixing parameters for them.<br />Basic rules are:<br />- DWP (96-well) with 2,000 µl, 1,000 µl and 500 µl filling volumes: <br />- With most solutions try setting a mixing rate of 1,400 rpm (soft key 1.5/2.0), as many of these DWP have a mixing rate similar to 1.5 ml and 2.0 ml micro test tubes. <br />- For resuspension of bacteria pellets try a mixing rate of 2,000 rpm, approx. 1 min.<br />- DWP (384-well)<br />- Try mixing at 2,000 rpm; when using the 384 soft key visually check the process to ensure the mixing period is sufficient for complete mixing.
MixMate can be used to mix 0.2 ml PCR tubes, and PCR strips as well as 0.5 ml, 1.5 ml and 2.0 ml micro test tubes (using the tube holders included in the delivery package).
The MixMate fulfills the following directives and standards (as of April 2006): 73/23/EWG, EN 61010-1, EN 61010-2-051, 89/336/EWG, EN 55011/B, EN 61000-6-1, EN 61000-3-2, EN 61000-6-6, EN 61326, 98/79/EG, EN 14971, EN 591, EN 980)
The compact bacteria pellets require a relatively high mixing energy for efficient resuspension. Internal tests have shown that bacteria pellets with buffer volumes like those used for plasmid isolation undergo resuspension within max. 1 min at 2,000 rpm – without any lid wetting.
All plate formats that comply with the SBS Standard for Microplates, for example: MTPs (up to 384-well), 96- and 384-well PCR plates (skirted, semi-skirted, unskirted), deepwell plates (up to 384-well), cell culture plates (6-, 12-, 24-, 48-, 96- and 384-wells).
MixMate is designed such that small quantities of fluid cannot penetrate the device. If fluid is spilled on it, disconnect the mains plug and clean the device thoroughly; follow the instructions in the Operating Manual accordingly.
To avoid a short-circuit follow these safety instructions:<br />- Before cleaning or disinfecting the housing, switch off MixMate and disconnect the mains plug/power cord.<br />- Do not allow any liquids to penetrate the inside of the housing.<br />- Only reconnect the the device to the power supply and turn it back on when it is completely dry.<br />To disinfect MixMate we recommend using alcohol (e.g., ethanol, isopropanol) or alcohol-containing disinfectants. Do not use UV radiation, as this will damage the plastics.)
Please follow the instructions within the operating manual.<br />To avoid a short-circuit follow these safety instructions:<br />- Before cleaning or disinfecting the housing, switch off MixMate and disconnect the mains plug/power cord.<br />- Do not allow any liquids to penetrate the inside of the housing.<br />- Only reconnect the device to the power supply and turn it back on when it is completely dry.<br />If necessary, remove the Universal Holder per the operating manual instructions and wipe off DNA contamination with a moistened tissue. Change tissues repeatedly. The Universal Holder, vortex mat and tube holders should then be rinsed with running water, followed by distilled water.<br />For stubborn DNA contamination, the different parts can be cleaned by wiping off with commercially available DNA decontamination solutions.
For questions regarding the resistance against chemicals, radiation and temperature please contact the Eppendorf Application Hotline ([email protected]).
We recommend dyeing the solution with the highest density or the highest viscosity with a color (e.g., Patent Blue V, Ponceau 4R), and then pipetting it as the last component on the bottom of the tube. You should try various mixing rates to determine the speed at which the sample material can be mixed quickly without any lid wetting. After several mixing periods (e.g., 5 s, 15 s, 30 s, 45 s, 1 min, 3 min) check your sample visually to ensure that the color has been completely distributed throughout. You can use the soft key settings as a reference/starting point when optimizing the mixing rate.
The display flashes on and off symbolized by the two adjacent circles “oo” in order to draw your attention to the fact that the mixing period has been set to infinite.
Because the altered values no longer match the parameters assigned to that soft key the control-LED light goes out. This prevents any confusion bewteen the mixing parameters.
Depending on geometry and filling volume, DWPs might have a high balance point and heavy weight, respectively. Due to safety reasons, the imbalance detector may be activated at mixing frequencies above 2,000 rpm and automatically reduce the mixing frequency (to avoid plates jumping out of the Universal Holder).
Because of their high balance point and their maximum capacity (e.g., Tube Holder 1.5/2.0 ml), the imbalance detector might be activated at mixing frequencies above 2,000 rpm. This automatically reduces the mixing frequency to prevent the tubes and the tube holder from jumping out of the Universal Holder.
The interplay of several factors that influence on the mixing motion has been optimised, in particular: The minimization of vertical motion, the operating smoothness and as well as the sturdy plate/tube holders. All serve to prevent any uncontrolled, chaotic movement and thus ensure an optimum transfer of mixing energy from the device to the sample. Still, the risk of any lid wetting is dependent on outside factors such as tube size, chosen mixing speed, filling volume and the properties of the sample material (e.g., buffer composition, viscosity, density), etc. To easily configure your optimum mixing parameters despite such variations, MixMate is equipped with five preprogrammed soft keys to enable fast and controlled mixing of various plate and tube formats in standard applications.
This 2-second overrun makes the vortexing process more ergonomic, because the vortex mat need not be pressed continuously to keep the vortexer running. It also eases the process of performing vortexing in several tubes successively.
