CO2 Incubator Applications
Cell & Tissue Culture, Immunology, Pharmacology… The list goes on.
Today, CO2 Incubators are among the most prevalent pieces of equipment found in the laboratory. Carbon Dioxide Incubators are intended for tissue and cell culture applications. These incubators work to control three essential variables related to replicating the mammalian environment; stable CO2 Level, temperature, and relative humidity (RH). CO2 Incubators allow these elements to work together to create an ambient environment for cells to thrive. The result is a balanced controlled pH (7.2–7.4), stable temperature (37°C), high relative humidity (95%), and controlled CO2 level (5%). Now that we understand why researchers use CO2 Incubators lets look at some of the features available for these units.
Water Jacketed CO2 Incubators envelope the chamber providing superior temperature stability while eliminating contamination and cold spots. In addition, the water jacket is surrounded by insulation, which makes this type of incubator ideal for precise incubation conditions. Air Jacketed CO2 Incubators use traditional fiberglass insulation along with sophisticated microprocessor controls to provide uniform conditions and eliminate condensation.
A HEPA filtration system, the use of copper for key components, and effective cleaning of the inner chamber have proven to be the most effective tool in the challenge to eliminate contamination. Only the SHEL LAB Select Series and Personal Series of CO2 Incubators feature a patented Copper Coated HEPA Filtration System.
The IR sensor is the most sophisticated technology for CO2 detection and control. Since the IR sensor is unaffected by changes in temperature and humidity it is especially ideal for applications in which the incubator door is opened frequently. The Thermal Conductivity (TC) Sensor is a more indirect method of CO2 detection and control since it measures the level of CO2 by sensing temperature difference as CO2 is introduced into the chamber. TC Sensors have been used in CO2 detection for many years. Read our whitepaper comparison of TC vs IR CO2 Sensors.
3500 Series CO2 Incubators
This series of CO2 Incubators range in size from 6.7 cu. ft. – 13.4 cu. ft. (two stacked 6.7 cu. ft. chambers). The 3500 series features an RH display, patented HEPA filtration contamination control, water and air jacketed insulation options, stainless steel construction, and independent over temperature protection.
Select Series CO2 Incubators
These units have air jacketed insulation with a capacity of 5.7 cu. ft. They feature a RH display, HEPA contamination control, stainless steel construction and independent over temperature protection.
Standard Series of CO2 Incubators
This series of Water Jacketed CO2 Incubators ranges in size from 6.7 cu. ft. (two stacked 6.7 cu. ft. chambers). It features water jacketed construction and the same rugged stainless steel construction and safety features as the Select Series without the RH display and HEPA filtration system.
Personal Series CO2 Incubator (50L–1.8 cu. ft.)
These 1.8 cu. ft. water-jacketed incubators are designed for applications where bench space is at a premium or sample control is paramount. This unit employs the SHEL LAB copper coated HEPA filtration system for additional contamination control.
Large Capacity CO2 Incubators
Large Capacity Models 2460 (60 cu. ft.), 2440 (40 cu. ft.), and 2428 (28 cu. ft.) are meant for large volume culturing of valuable cell lines. These units are designed to work with roller bottle apparatuses. They feature interior outlets, allowing researchers to place shakers or stirrers inside the chamber to be run in a CO2 enriched environment.
Having Contamination Issues? Read our article Eliminating Contamination in CO2 Incubators
- Cell and Tissue Culture
- Immunology
- Genetic Engineering
- Protein Synthesis
- Virology
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
- In vitro Fertilization
- Human Vaccines
- Veterinary Vaccines
- Carcinogenicity Testing
- Monoclonal Antibodies