HOW TO CHOOSE THE MOST SUITABLE CO2 INCUBATOR

DO YOU KNOW HOW TO CHOOSE AN IDEAL CO2 INCUBATOR FOR YOUR APPLICATION? 

There are several models of CO2 incubators on the market, with different characteristics. Among so many options, how to choose the most suitable model for your application? 

The most important variable in a CO2 incubator is temperature. Uniformity, stability and recovery time after opening the door are some attributes related to temperature, which should be carefully analyzed as they directly affect the results of your cell cultures. 

It is common for people to confuse the terms uniformity and temperature stability, so being clear about these concepts is essential when choosing the ideal incubator for your application. When we talk about temperature uniformity we refer to the capacity of the incubator to reach the same temperature at all points inside the chamber. Think to me, at any given time, if thermometers are placed in various places in the chamber, would they show the same temperature? It's important that you show it. Uniformity deals with this temperature variation that exists between different points in the chamber. Thus, the smaller this variation, the better the uniformity of your incubator. 

Since the stable temperature is the ability of the incubator has to maintain the temperature at one point of the camera over time. Still using the previous example, it is as if we could observe the thermometers individually at various times and calculate the variation of each thermometer individually over time. Thus, the smaller this variation, the better the stability.

Another crucial aspect to consider is the temperature recovery time after door opening. Once the door is opened, how long will it take for the incubator to regain pre-opening conditions? The shorter this time, the better it will be for your crops, which will suffer less from the variations generated by door openings. This variable is especially important in multi-user labs, which tend to have more openings throughout the day. 

These three characteristics can be applied not only to temperature, but also to the concentration of CO2, O2, relative humidity, etc. With these concepts well defined, we can start talking about the different models of incubators available on the market. 

AIR JACKET (DIRECT HEATING) OR WATER JACKET IN CO2 INCUBATORS

In CO2 incubators, the resistances that heat the chamber are not inside it, as this would generate a large variation in uniformity. Therefore, the resistors heat the walls of the chamber, which in turn radiate heat inside. This technology is called direct heating or air jacket. 

Water jacket technology emerged to increase temperature stability. A second compartment that surrounds the chamber is filled with water, and the heaters heat the water, which in turn heats the chamber walls. This allows heat to be transmitted to the chamber walls more efficiently, increasing stability. These models are often suitable for high-flow labs with many door openings. 

STERILIZATION METHODSIN CO2 INCUBATORS

For prevention, we have the use of HEPA filters, which constantly filter the air in the chamber, returning it sterile. The HEPA filter is well known for use in biosecurity cabinets and is ideal for use inside the CO2 incubator to protect cultured cells from airborne contaminants entering through the equipment port. The HEPA filter is easy to replace and the dirty filter can simply be autoclaved with other laboratory waste before being discarded. 

For sterilization, once contamination has already occurred, or is suspected, we basically have two options on the market: UV light and high temperature. UV light requires shelves and other accessories to be removed and autoclaved separately so that the rays directly reach the entire chamber. It is important to be aware that anything that blocks light (including dust particles, shelves and air ducts) can prevent effective decontamination. High temperature decontamination, for example, can be done overnight and eliminates the need for removal, separate autoclaving and reassembly of incubator shelves and other accessories. Thus, if the danger of contamination in the laboratory is high, mainly from fungi, temperature decontamination is the most indicated. 

INDIVIDUALIZED PROTECTION CO2 INCUBATOR:

Your CO2 incubator interface may be able to assist with monitoring the temperature and concentration of CO2, even when you are not in the lab. Today, different interfaces provide graphs of the history of these variables so you can get to the lab in the morning and make sure everything went well overnight or over the weekend. This is ideal for anyone who owns CO2 incubators, as it can help identify the beginnings of any problems with the equipment and becomes even more valuable to those who need to be accountable for this performance. 

CO2 Incubator (Cell Culture Incubator or IVF & tissue Incubator) is used to incubate samples. They are insulated cabins where incubation is made and the temperature can be adjusted. For required conditions, there are different types such as with cooling, fan, carbon dioxide, shaking. In order to observe the growth of microorganisms in culture media, they must be kept at a certain temperature. The tools used for this purpose are called incubators. A suitable incubator should provide a constant and homogeneous temperature. 

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