Different Types Of Incubators In Laboratories

Laboratory incubators are used to grow cells, bacteria and other microorganisms in a controlled environment that mimic s their ideal environment.

Incubators have become an integral part of any laboratory that needs to grow cells. These machines provide the ideal temperature and nutrition to cells, tissues and other microorganisms so that they can grow and the scientists can use these cultured cells in different experiments.

The basic aim of any incubator including Shel Lab Incubators is to provide the in-vitro environment for cell culture and preserve these cultured cells for experimentation. But, not all the models are the same. In different models of lab incubators, the mechanism and functions are different. Here are the diverse types of incubators used in laboratories-

Cooled incubators Or Refrigerated Incubators


These are specially designed incubators that have a temperature range near the ambient temperature. These are also called refrigerated incubators. Usually, school incubators have a temperature range of 5℃ to 60℃. Cooled incubators offer precise temperature control and come with different sensors that monitor the temperature properly. These incubators come with air circulation fans that provide fresh air inside the incubation chamber ad also helps regulate the temperature system. These Laboratory Incubator are widely used in biology and, microbiology laboratories. You may see cooled incubators in those labs which study plants, cells, bacteria, and cell culture, germination, insect studies, etc.


Standard incubators


These are basic incubators that are usually seen in any laboratory. Stand rad incubators are often used for cell culture which does not need any type of restricted or special environment for culturing purpose. These incubators can operate between a temperature range of ambient temperature to 80℃ or 100℃. So, the standard incubators only offer heated environments. It can be used for many purposes for example, in the poultry industry, in general, cell culture, etc. Some models have gravity powered convection. Many models have a fan that powers the convection system and maintains the temperature. Most of the standard incubators have a glass panel door, alarms, and a display screen. It is also one of the most used incubators.


Humidity Incubators


In certain culture process, temperature and humidity are both important. The cultured cells need a special percentage of humidity inside the incubation chamber to grow properly. These incubators are specially designed to control humidity and temperature simultaneously. On a humidity incubator, indirect heating is present to maintain the special atmosphere inside the chamber.


CO2 Incubators


The carbon-di-oxide incubators are most common in biology and microbiology laboratories. It is also widely used in the pharmaceutical industry. These incubators have a special mechanism that allows the user to maintain the carbon-di-oxide level inside the incubation chamber. This is necessary in case of healthy in-vitro cell culture. Any normal living organism needs a certain amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to live properly. This incubator follows this simple process and maintains the desired carbon dioxide level in the incubation atmosphere. Usually, the infer-red sensor or a thermal conductivity sensor is used to maintain the carbon dioxide level inside the chamber. Additionally, these incubators also need to maintain the humidity level. So, a water tray is placed inside it to maintain the humidity level. In a nutshell, these incubators more or less mimic the conditions of the human body. But, since these incubators have a special atmosphere they are vulnerable to the attacks from hazardous fungus, viruses, and bacteria. Therefore, these incubators come with specially designed sterilization system that cleanses the incubation chamber and prevents any type of contamination.


Shaking Incubators


You can call it a hybrid of the incubator and shaking instrument, these are also called incubator shakers. It is widely used in molecular biology and genetics. These incubator shakers or shaking incubators come with a controlled ambiance with precise temperature, humidity, etc. It constantly shapes and centrifuges different samples together so that the molecules are mixed to make a new thing. It is very much useful in the case of DNA replication and genetics.


Hybridization Incubators


Hybridization incubators or hybridization ovens are an advanced version of the shaking incubators. These incubators are used for hybridization. So, it is essential equipment in any molecular biology laboratory. These incubators have specially designed hybridization bottles inside them. These bottles are rotated at a defined speed so that the molecules can combine.


Mini incubators


These are smaller versions of regular-sized incubators. These are small incubators that offer the same features as the regular size machines. These are cost-effective models. Mini incubators are widely used in the poultry industry.


These are the different models of incubators that are used in different types of laboratories for cell culture and other related works. Globallabsupply.com, a well-known lab equipment supplier company can be your preferred destination to buy the right type of incubator within your budget. This company has a vast and diverse range of lab equipment including different Downflow workstation for their clients.


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