I. Introduction
A CO2 incubator is a device designed to emulate the cells’ natural environment by controlling physical parameters such as the temperature, humidity, CO2 and O2 levels for the optimum growth and development of cells. It is designed for high-quality incubation performance through the precise control of heating and gas injections combined with multiple contamination control and ergonomic features appropriate for safe incubation of many types of cells and tissues. Typical fields of application include tissue engineering, in vitro fertilization, neuroscience, cancer research, and other mammalian cell research applications.
II. CO₂ Incubator Guide to Models
CO2 Incubator Model | CCL | CelCulture® with Copper Interior Chamber CCL-Cu | CelCulture® with Stainless Steel Exterior CCL-SS | CelCulture® for In Vitro Fertilization CCL-IVF | CelCulture® with Integrated Cooling System CCL-P | CelCulture® with High-Temperature CO2 Sensor CCL-HITEMP | CelCulture® with High Heat Sterilization CCL-HHS
| CLM
| |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sizes Available | 50 L, 170 L, 240 L | 50 L, 170 L, 240 L | 50 L, 170 L, 240 L | 50 L, 170 L, 240 L | 170 L, 240 L | 50 L, 170 L, 240 L | 170 L, 240 L | 50 L, 170 L, 240 L | |
Certification | UL Listed | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
FDA Listed, Class II, 510k exempt medical device | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
CE Conformity | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
Temperature Range, °C | 7°C above ambient to 60°C | 7°C above ambient to 60°C | 7°C above ambient to 60°C | 7°C above ambient to 60°C | 8°C below ambient to 60°C | 7°C above ambient to 60°C | 7°C above ambient to 60°C | 7°C above ambient to 60°C | |
Construction | Main Body | Electrogalvanized steel with Isocide™ antimicrobial coating | Electrogalvanized steel with Isocide™ antimicrobial coating | Stainless Steel | Electrogalvanized steel with Isocide™ antimicrobial coating | Electrogalvanized steel with Isocide™ antimicrobial coating | Electrogalvanized steel with Isocide™ antimicrobial coating | Electrogalvanized steel with Isocide™ antimicrobial coating | Electrogalvanized steel with Isocide™ antimicrobial coating |
Chamber Material | Stainless Steel, 304 | Copper | Stainless Steel, 304 | Stainless Steel, 304 | Stainless Steel, 304 | Stainless Steel, 304 | Stainless Steel, 304 | Stainless Steel, 304 | |
Door type (Flat/Curved) | Flat/Curved Door | Curved Door | Curved Door | Curved Door | Curved Door | Curved Door | Curved Door | Curved Door | |
Sealed Inner Door Kit | Optional | Optional | Optional | Standard | Optional | Optional | No | Optional | |
CO2 Control | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
Suppressed O2 Control | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | No | |
Contamination Control Method | Decontamination Method | 90°C Moist Heat Decontamination Cycle (15 hours) | 90°C Moist Heat Decontamination Cycle (15 hours) | 90°C Moist Heat Decontamination Cycle (15 hours) | 90°C Moist Heat Decontamination Cycle (15 hours) | 90°C Moist Heat Decontamination Cycle (15 hours) | 90°C Moist Heat Decontamination Cycle (15 hours) | 180°C High Heat Sterilization Cycle (12 hours) | 90°C Moist Heat Decontamination Cycle (20 hours) |
UV Lamp* | Optional | Optional | Optional | No | Optional | No | No | Optional | |
ULPA Filter* | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
Gas Inline Filter | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
*Not available for 50 L models
III. Must-have Features of a CO₂ Incubator
Direct heat and air jacket
Precise parameter control
Forced convection design
Heat-resistant sensors
ULPA filtration system
Moist heat decontamination/ high heat sterilization cycle
Gas inlet filter
Comprehensive user-configurable alarms
Intelligent data and event logger records
Seamless design for easier cleaning
Removable ductwork, plenums, and shelves without tools
Wide range of accessories
IV. Factors to Consider when Buying a CO₂ Incubator
A CO2 incubator is considered as one of the most vital equipment in a laboratory. It provides an ideal condition for the growth and development of cells by maintaining the physical parameters of the equipment such as the temperature, humidity, CO2, and O2 levels.
FACTORS YOU SHOULD CONSIDER WHEN PURCHASING A CO2 INCUBATOR
- Type of a CO2 incubator
- Wide Temperature range Type of sensors
- Type of convection system
- Chamber material and design
- Wide Temperature range
- User-friendly control system
- Filtration system
- Decontamination/Sterilization Cycle
- Parameter control
- Recovery time of parameters
- Ergonomic design
- Testing and certifications
- Easy installation and set-up
- Warranty period
- After-sales service support
TYPICAL QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK
- What are the physical parameters needed for my application
- Are sensors removable during decontamination procedure?
- What size of CO2 Incubator can be accommodated in my laboratory?
- What contamination control methods are available?
- What application needs suppression of oxygen?
- What are the common CO₂ incubator parts that need to be replaced annually?
- What are the accessories needed for my application?
- Do you have reliable after-sales service support?
- How long is the warranty period and what is its coverage?
- How often should it undergo preventive maintenance and how much will it cost?
WHY YOU NEED A NEW ONE
- Setting up a new or expanded laboratory facility.
- The existing unit has an outdated specification.
- Increased maintenance cost.
- Additional unit due to an increased laboratory workload.
- The unit is defective, and the service provider is inaccessible.
V. Safety Tips When Using CO₂ Incubators
How to Safeguard your Cell Culture from Contamination
Contamination of your cell culture can be the result of any of these conditions:
-
Contaminated glass or plastic ware
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Contaminated media
-
Contaminated cell line
-
Improper technique
-
Incubators and its components
-
Airborne contaminants
-
Lab environment & instruments
-
Operators
Here are some safety tips to protect your cell cultures when using a CO2 incubator:
- CO2 Incubator needs to be cleaned with a disinfectant or detergent first and then rinsed with sterile water followed by 70% alcohol.
- Avoid using chlorine-based detergents/disinfectants.
- Change water (sterile water is recommended) in the water pan periodically.
- Allow autoclaved water to cool before adding to the water pan.
- Change the ULPA filter at least once a year or when the filter is dirty by visual inspection.
- Do not keep the CO2 Incubator door open for too long.
- Avoid talking, laughing, coughing, when opening CO2 Incubator door.
- Always wear gloves.
- Keep the air clean: no eating, drinking, and smoking.
- Always wear a clean lab coat.
- Avoid leaving medium and culture containers on containment surfaces.