Automated Petri Dish Filler

INTEGRA Biosciences, a leading manufacturer of reliable and productive instruments for media processing, has announced several new features and a product range extension expanding the versatility and further improving the reliability of its popular MEDIAJET automated Petri dish filler.

Developed in response to customer feedback the new MEDIAJET now offers the unique flexibility for high throughput filling of Petri dishes of various sizes, Petri dishes with two compartments and test tubes of various diameters and length. Furthermore, an integrated shaker function provides a convenient solution for pour plate applications.

For many applications, the amount of required agar can be reduced by using two-compartment Petri dishes. However, pouring biplates by hand is time-consuming and inefficient. With the MEDIAJET biplate option you have an efficient and reliable solution to fill two-compartment Petri dishes automatically. A new MEDIAJET shaker function enables the automation of pour plate production. Depending on the volume or viscosity of the medium used for pouring, different shaking levels are selectable according to requirements.

Furthermore, a new special Petri dish processing mode has been implemented that allows generation of agar dishes with highly planar surfaces - a feature that will particularly benefit automatic colony counting. Designed to incorporate seamlessly into IQ/OQ certified environments - the new MEDIAJET provides facility, via an optional inkjet printer module, to automatically imprint Petri dishes with all the relevant data on either the side or bottom of plates to ensure complete traceability.

The MEDIAJET vario Petri dish filler can be converted from filling 90mm diameter dishes to 60mm or 35mm diameter dishes in less than 5 minutes, providing invaluable flexibility to your media preparation. Using a proven mechanical dish guidance system, monitored by a set of sensors throughout the filling process, the compact MEDIAJET provides truly reliable, walk-away operation.

Operational downtime and media loss due to 'dish jams' resulting from variations in the diameter, shape and rim profile of the disposable plastic Petri dishes are completely eliminated. All functions on the MEDIAJET are conveniently controlled via a large graphical user interface.  The intuitive software is completely self-explanatory even to occasional users and allows storage of up to 20 filling methods.

The MEDIAJET has a unique 'Agar Spread Function' capability that provides the most efficient use of agar through ensuring homogeneous distribution and an even surface.  By minimising the agar level in each Petri dish the new system enables up to 20% savings on media use compared to some traditional systems. For consistent agar plate quality, maintaining a clean environment during the dispensing process is essential.

The surface of the MEDIAJET filling chamber is manufactured from a single piece of chemically resistant polyethylene facilitating convenient and efficient cleaning.  A powerful UV lamp further provides optimal bactericidal efficiency over the full length of the rotor where the dishes are opened during the dispensing process.