History Of The Multitron Incubator Shaker

By Tony Allman

The Multitron incubator shaker, first developed in the 1930s, has continuously evolved to meet the changing needs of academic and industrial research laboratories. Originally used for fungal culture, it became widely used in biosciences by the mid-1960s. The Multitron was redesigned in the 1990s for maximum shake flask capacity and again in the 2000s to accommodate the growth of mammalian and insect cells. The 2010s saw adaptations for multiple experiments and green applications. In 2023, a new display technology and a humidification system were added, enhancing functionality. The incubator shaker is predicted to become more integrated into lab processes, with innovations in automation and bioprocess modeling leading to greater efficiency. The continuous evolution of the Multitron design, with its user-friendly features, highlights its crucial role in bioscience laboratories.