Introduction to Laboratory Incubator Equipment

This document discusses different types of incubators and their applications. It begins by describing laboratory incubators, which maintain optimal temperature, humidity, and gases to grow cell and microbiological cultures. The market is divided into gassed CO2 incubators and non-gassed types. Incubators provide controlled environments for cultures and protect cells from temperature and atmospheric changes. Types discussed include standard, cooled, humidity-controlled, CO2, shaking, and hybridization incubators. Factors like volume, materials, temperature control, and safety features are considered when choosing an incubator. Applications include growing cell cultures, microbiological analyses, breeding insects, storing samples, and growing protein crystals.

1. Laboratory Incubator Presented By: Shivani Ojha

2. Table of contents Introduction Principle and working Components of Incubator Types of Incubator Validation of incubator Applications of Incubator Precautions

3. Laboratory Incubator A laboratory incubator is an insulated and enclosed device that provides an optimal condition of temperature, humidity and other environmental conditions required for the growth of organisms. An incubator is a piece of vital laboratory equipment necessary for cultivating microorganisms under artificial conditions. Principle and Working of Incubator Incubators work on the principle of thermo-electricity. It has a thermostat that maintains a constant temperature by creating a thermal gradient. As power is supplied to the circuit predetermined temperature (37˚C) is set in the incubator. When any conductor (such as an electrically-controlled switch) is subjected to this thermal gradient, it generates a voltage—a phenomenon known as the  thermoelectric effect . Heating elements (usually bulbs) maintain the desired temperature, while a fan ensures even air distribution.

4. Components of Incubator Cabinet : The main body of the incubator, typically double-walled with an insulation layer in between. The outer wall is stainless steel, while the inner wall is aluminum. The cabinet houses the entire setup and provides insulation to prevent heat loss. Door : Every incubator has a door to close the insulated cabinet. The door also has its own insulation and a glass panel for observing the interior without disturbing the environment. A handle facilitates easy maneuvering.

5. Control Panel : Located on the outer wall, the control panel contains switches and indicators for adjusting parameters. It includes a thermostat control switch. Thermostat : Sets and maintains the desired temperature within the incubator. Perforated Shelves : These shelves support culture plates and allow hot air circulation. Asbestos Door Gasket : Provides an almost airtight seal between the door and the cabinet, maintaining an isolated environment. L-shaped Thermometer : Monitors the internal temperature. HEPA Filters : Ensure clean air circulation. An air pump with filters created a closed loop system so that the air flowing inside the incubator generates less contamination. Humidity and Gas Control : Some incubators allow control over humidity and gas composition.

6. Types of incubators Benchtop/Standard Incubator : The most common type of incubator. They provide a controlled environment for general microbial growth. Used for routine incubation, bacterial culture, seed germination and enzyme reaction. Their range of temperature is from ambient 30-35 O C to a maximum of 80 O C to 100 O C. BOD (Biological Oxygen Demand) Incubator : Specifically designed for BOD determination tests, which assess organic matter degradation by microorganisms. Maintains a constant temperature and controlled oxygen levels. Humidity Incubator : Regulates humidity levels in addition to temperature. Useful for experiments involving moisture-sensitive samples or organisms. CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) Incubator : Maintains a specific CO 2 concentration (usually 5%) for cell culture and tissue culture. CO2 incubators are the special kinds of incubators that are provided with automatic control of CO2 and humidity . Shaking Incubator : Equipped with a platform that oscillates or rotates to agitate samples . Ensure uniform mixing and oxygen distribution within samples. Used for broth or liquid culture media.

7. Benchtop Incubator Humidity Incubator

8. Shaking Incubator BOD Incubator CO2 Incubator

9. Validation of incubator Installation Qualification: IQ aims to demonstrate that the incubator is correctly installed and contains all necessary components for functionality. During IQ verify the following: Order form and deliveries : Confirm that the ordered items match the delivery. Installation site and ambient conditions : Ensure the incubator is placed in an appropriate location. Equipment power supply : Validate that the power supply is connected correctly. Equipment installation : Check the proper installation of the incubator and associated accessories. Equipment power-on : Verify that the incubator powers on successfully. User training : If requested, provide user training. Documentation : Gather all relevant documentation Review and approval of the installation qualification report.

10. Operational Qualification (OQ) : OQ assesses the incubator’s performance under operational conditions. It includes: Temperature mapping : Use calibrated probes to map temperature distribution within the incubator. Ensuring sufficient humidity control. Verifying proper ventilation. Maintaining sterility Empty unit test : Perform tests with an empty incubator. Performance Qualification (PQ) : PQ evaluates the incubator’s performance over an extended period. It typically involves : Long-term stability : Monitor temperature stability over weeks or months. Load testing : Assess performance with samples inside. Alarm verification : Confirm that alarms function as expected.

11. Applications of incubator Incubators create a controlled environment for the growth of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Incubators provide a stable environment for growing cells and tissues. They facilitate reactions, enzyme assays, and other biochemical processes. Incubators are critical for drug development and quality control. Pharmaceutical companies use them to test drug stability, study drug interactions, and assess formulation changes. Zoologists and entomologists use incubators to hatch insect eggs and study the early stages of development. Incubators provide a controlled environment for oviparous organisms. Before analysis, medical laboratories often store biological specimens in incubators. These specimens may include blood samples, tissues, or other biological materials.

12. Precautions As microorganisms are susceptible to temperature change, the fluctuations in temperature of the cabinet by repeatedly opening the door should be avoided. The required parameters growth of the organism should be met before the culture plates are placed inside the cabinet. The plates should be placed upside down with the lid at the bottom to prevent the condensation of water on to the media. The inside of the incubators should be cleaned regularly to prevent the organisms from settling on the shelves or the corners of the incubator. While running the incubator for an extended period of time, sterile water should be placed underneath the shelves to prevent the culture media from drying out.

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