Can semi-skirted PCR plates be used with MixMate?
Yes, with the aid of the Tube Holder PCR 96, semi-skirted PCR plates can also be fitted onto MixMate.
Can unskirted PCR plates be used with MixMate?
Yes, with the aid of the Tube Holder PCR 96, unskirted PCR plates can also be used.
During mixing of my 384-well PCR plate air-bubbles have formed at the bottom of the wells. How can I prevent this?
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.
Is the mixing rate reduced when MixMate is fully loaded?
No. Even at maximum capacity, the mixing rate is not affected.
Are MixMate and the tube holders resistant to UV radiation?
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.
I understand that skirted 96-well PCR plates can be directly inserted onto MixMate. But can I also use the Tube Holder PCR 96 for this?
Yes, 96-well skirted PCR plates can be mixed both directly – using MixMate's Universal Holder – or with the aid of the Tube Holder PCR 96.
Despite using the soft keys, lid wetting has occurred, why?
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.
Despite the imbalance sensor, my plate suddenly jumps out of MixMate, why?
Possible reasons:
- The plate does not comply with the SBS Standard for Microplates.
- The plate is extremely worn or deformed.
What does the term 2DMix-Control technology describe/stand for?
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
What other special features does MixMate have in addition to 2DMix-Control technology?
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:
- 3-in-1 format: Mixes plates, tubes and vortexes
- Soft keys, make it easier to configure the optimum mixing parameters
- Digital display for maximum reproducibility of experimental conditions
- Automatic imbalance detection, prevents plates from jumping out
- Remarkably silent: noise level <50 dB(A)
What is the SBS Standard for Microplates?
The Society for Biomolecular Sciences (
SBS) collaborates with other institutions to develop standards for micro test plates – the objective is to standard the various formats for easier automation.
For use with MixMate the footprint of plates should meet the following specifications:
- Rectangular plate
- Length = 127.76 mm +/- 0.5 mm; width = 85.48 mm +/- 0.5 mm
- The footprint must be continuos and uninterrupted around the base of the plate.
Which soft keys should I use for deepwell plates?
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.
Basic rules are:
- DWP (96-well) with 2,000 µl, 1,000 µl and 500 µl filling volumes:
- 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.
- For resuspension of bacteria pellets try a mixing rate of 2,000 rpm, approx. 1 min.
- DWP (384-well)
- 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.
Which tubes can I mix with MixMate?
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).
Which norms and standards are fulfilled by MixMate?
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)
What are the ideal parameters for resuspension of bacteria pellets?
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.
Which plates can be used on MixMate?
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).
For which plates/tubes have the soft keys been optimized?
- 384 (15 s/2,000 rpm): MTP (384-well)
- PCR 384 (15 s/2,600 rpm): PCR plates (384-well)
- 96 (30 s/1,000 rpm): MTP (96-well)
- PCR 96/0.5 (30 s/1,650 rpm): PCR plates (96-well), 0.2 PCR tubes and PCR strips, 0.5 ml micro test tubes
- 1.5/2.0 (1 min/1,400 rpm): 1.5 and 2.0 ml micro test tubes.
If fluid is inadvertently spilled on MixMate, should I worry about it entering the device?
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.
How can I disinfect MixMate and its tube holders?
To avoid a short-circuit follow these safety instructions:
- Before cleaning or disinfecting the housing, switch off MixMate and disconnect the mains plug/power cord.
- Do not allow any liquids to penetrate the inside of the housing.
- Only reconnect the the device to the power supply and turn it back on when it is completely dry.
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.)
How can I remove DNA contamination from MixMate and the tube holders?
Please follow the instructions within the operating manual.
To avoid a short-circuit follow these safety instructions:
- Before cleaning or disinfecting the housing, switch off MixMate and disconnect the mains plug/power cord.
- Do not allow any liquids to penetrate the inside of the housing.
- Only reconnect the device to the power supply and turn it back on when it is completely dry.
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.
For stubborn DNA contamination, the different parts can be cleaned by wiping off with commercially available DNA decontamination solutions.
To which chemicals are MixMate and the tube holders resistant?
For questions regarding the resistance against chemicals, radiation and temperature please contact the Eppendorf Application Hotline (support@eppendorf.com).
How can I determine the ideal mixing parameters for my application?
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.
What does it mean when the display flashes on and off with two adjacent circles alternating with the mixing parameters?
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.
Why does the control-LED go out when I change the parameters of a soft key?
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.
Why do you recommend that I mix deepwell plates at max. 2,000 rpm?
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).
Why do you recommend mixing at max. 2,000 rpm when using the tube holders?
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.
How can MixMate mix samples in a controlled manner, without any lid wetting?
The interplay of several factors that influence on the mixing motion has been optimized, 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.
Why does the vortexer continue to run for approx. 2 seconds after relieving pressure on the vortex mat?
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.
My plate does not fit into the Universal Holder, why?
The Universal Holder can only accommodate plate formats that comply with the SBS Standard for Microplates
Which cleaning and disinfection agents can be recommended for cleaning and disinfection of ThermoMixer C, ThermoMixer F and ThermoStat C?
Switch off the device, disconnect the mains/power plug and make sure that no liquid can get into the inside of the housing. When cleaning has been completed, the device should only be connected when it is fully dry on the inside and on the outside. Use lint-free cloth and soft bottle brush or cotton swabs for SmartBlocks and SmartExtender. Do not use any aggressive chemicals on the device or its accessories such as strong and weak bases, strong acids, acetone, formaldehyde, halogenated hydrocarbons or phenol. If the device is contaminated with aggressive chemicals, clean it immediately using a mild cleaning agent and wipe it off with dist. water afterwards.
Recommended cleaning agents:
mild, soap-based lab cleaner
dist. water
Recommended disinfectants:
ethanol (70%)
isopropanol (70%)
Please follow the detailed safety instructions in the Operating Manual.
