Incubator Flashcards
is a heated, insulated box used to grow and maintain microbiological or cell cultures
Incubator
An insulated and enclosed device that provides an optimal condition of temperature, humidity, and other environmental conditions required for the growth of organisms (Sapkota, 2020)
Incubator
What are the types of incubator?
Microbiological Incubators
CO2 Incubators
Refrigerated Incubators
BOD Incubators
General Purpose Laboratory Incubators
Also called “heat-only,” or “standard” incubators
Microbiological Incubators
Have heating elements and can provide incubation temperatures that are above ambient temperature only (Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., 2024)
Microbiological Incubators
A gassed incubator which creates a natural atmosphere in order to develop cell and tissue cultures
CO2 Incubator
It has a completely sealed inner chamber to prevent contamination.
CO2 Incubator
These incubators are essential in biological and medical research, particularly for cell culture, tissue engineering, and drug development.
CO2 Incubator
Also known as chilling incubator
Refrigerated Incubator
Eliminate the need for conventional compressors and refrigerants
Refrigerated Incubators
Often have a heating and chilling element that provide precise, consistent temperature performance
Refrigerated Incubator
Are ideal for forced degradation of antibiotics, protein crystal growth, and applications that require ambient temperature control
Refrigerated Incubator
Specialized equipment for measuring oxygen consumption by microorganisms in water samples
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD Incubator)
Is used to provide the ideal temperature and conditions for the microorganisms to grow and consume oxygen
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD Incubator)
Also provides a dark and sealed environment to prevent any external light or air from entering the chamber (MRC Laboratory Equipments, n.d.)
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD Incubator)
True or False
General Purpose of an Incubator:
Provide a contamination-free, contained environment for cell and tissue cultures
True
True or False
General Purpose of an Incubator:
A laboratory equipment designed to maintain a controlled temperature and humidity environment for various biological applications, including cell culture, microbiology, and biotechnology research
True
From what year is this?
The first CO2 incubator developed consisted of a simple bell jar containing a lit candle. Cultures were placed under the lid of the jar alongside the lit candle, before the jar was moved to a dry, heated oven. This system may be considered the first “air-jacketed” CO2 incubator.
1800s
The first CO2 incubator developed consisted of a _________________. Cultures were placed under the lid of the jar alongside the lit candle, before the jar was moved to a dry, heated oven. This system may be considered the first “__________” CO2 incubator.
simple bell jar containing a lit candle
air-jacketed
By this year, commercial incubators began to emerge as researchers required more precise control over environmental conditions. New Brunswick Scientific (NBS) played a key role in advancing incubator technology. They introduced the Psychrotherm, the first refrigerated incubator shaker, alongside the Model G25 and G76 incubator shakers. What year is it?
1960s
By 1960s, commercial incubators began to emerge as researchers required more precise control over environmental conditions. ___________________ played a key role in advancing incubator technology.
New Brunswick Scientific (NBS)
1960s
They(NBS) introduced the _________, the first refrigerated incubator shaker, alongside the Model G25 and G76 incubator shakers.
Psychrotherm
In ______, SHEL LAB introduced the innovative general purpose incubator, which proved extremely popular in the marketplace. This incubator offered a unique warm air-jacket design, heated outer door, and five strategically placed heating elements to deliver uncompromising temperature uniformity, with no hot spots.
1984
In 1984, ______ introduced the innovative general purpose incubator, which proved extremely popular in the marketplace. This incubator offered a unique warm air-jacket design, heated outer door, and five strategically placed heating elements to deliver uncompromising temperature uniformity, with no hot spots.
SHEL LAB
During the late _____, Torrey Pines Scientific developed the first Peltier-based benchtop incubators capable of chilling and heating. These incubators were marketed under the trade name EchoTherm.
1990s
During the late 1990s, ________ developed the first Peltier-based benchtop incubators capable of chilling and heating. These incubators were marketed under the trade name EchoTherm.
Torrey Pines
During the late 1990s, Torrey Pines Scientific developed the first _____________ incubators capable of chilling and heating. These incubators were marketed under the trade name EchoTherm.
Peltier-based benchtop
During the late 1990s, Torrey Pines Scientific developed the first Peltier-based benchtop incubators capable of chilling and heating. These incubators were marketed under the trade name _______________.
EchoTherm
In ______, a patent was granted for an ambient-temperature stabilization control system for laboratory incubators. This device was able to effectively maintain the incubator temperature within a desired range and to accurately control the rate of heat loss from the incubator as the ambient temperature rose.
2001
In 2001, a patent was granted for an _______________________ for laboratory incubators. This device was able to effectively maintain the incubator temperature within a desired range and to accurately control the rate of heat loss from the incubator as the ambient temperature rose.
ambient-temperature stabilization control system
This device was able to effectively maintain the incubator temperature within a desired range and to accurately control the rate of heat loss from the incubator as the ambient temperature rose. (2001)
An ambient-temperature stabilization control system
In ______, NBS (New Brunswick Scientific) revolutionized the laboratory equipment market by introducing a new line of CO2 incubators. These incubators featured a direct-heat, fanless design, making them significantly lighter than the traditional air-jacketed models.
2003
WHAT YEAR IS THIS?
A patent was awarded for a high-efficiency microplate incubator. This incubator excelled in temperature uniformity and stability with a space-saving design that stacked multiple incubation chambers.
2003
In 2003, NBS (New Brunswick Scientific) revolutionized the laboratory equipment market by introducing a new line of CO2 incubators. These incubators featured a ___________________, making them significantly lighter than the traditional air-jacketed models.
direct-heat, fanless design
A patent was awarded for a high-efficiency _________. This incubator excelled in temperature uniformity and stability with a space-saving design that stacked multiple incubation chambers.
microplate incubator
In _____, NBS (New Brunswick Scientific) launched two advanced CO2 incubators—the Innova CO-170 and the Excella CO-170.
2006
In 2006, NBS (New Brunswick Scientific) launched two advanced CO2 incubators—the _________and the ________
Innova CO-170
Excella CO-170
In 2008, ________ took innovation further with the introduction of the large-capacity _________, a groundbreaking product in the industry.
CARON
IR-CO2 incubator
In 2009, __________ introduced the _____________________, which set a new benchmark in incubation technology.
SANYO
Sterisonic™ GxP, MCO-19AIC (UVH) Cell Culture Incubator
In 2010, __________ introduced the _____________, which enhanced user convenience by automating gas supply management for incubators.
BINDER
BINDER gas supply kit
As medical advancements and biotechnological developments progress, experts anticipate that the incubator market’s future growth will primarily come from the _______________. With increasingly precise requirements for research, the demand for growth chamber-type incubators—which offer greater sensitivity in controlling temperature and humidity—is expected to rise.
biotechnology industry
As medical advancements and biotechnological developments progress, experts anticipate that the incubator market’s future growth will primarily come from the biotechnology industry. With increasingly precise requirements for research, the demand for growth ________________—which offer greater sensitivity in controlling temperature and humidity—is expected to rise.
chamber-type incubators
The incubator is a double-walled cubical _______ with a volume range of 20 to 800L.
Outer wall: made of stainless steel sheets.
Inner wall: constructed from aluminum.
Shelves are supported by inward extensions on the inner wall.
The space between the two walls is filled with glass wool for insulation.
cabinet
The incubator _______ is a standard feature on all units and is insulated.
It includes a glass pane for visual inspection of the interior without disturbing the incubation environment.
A handle on the exterior of it allows for easy maneuvering.
Door
The incubator’s outer wall is equipped with a _________
It contains switches and indicators to manage the incubator’s parameters.
A switch on the it is used to operate the thermostat.
control panel
The door is sealed with an ___________, creating a nearly airtight barrier between the door and the cabinet.
This seal helps protect the cabinet from damage.
It prevents outside air from entering, maintaining a controlled, enclosed hot atmosphere inside the incubator, unaffected by external environmental factors.
asbestos door gasket
It holds the plates carrying the cultural media.
It allows hot air to circulate freely, ensuring even distribution of heat around the culture plates.
Some incubators have shelves that can be removed so they may be properly cleaned.
Perforated Shelves
Regulates the temperature of the incubator.
It keeps the incubator at the desired temperature once it’s reached, maintaining it until the temperature is adjusted again.
Thermostat
lessen the chance of contamination from the airflow.
An air pump with filters forms a closed-loop system that reduces air pollution within the incubator by filtering the circulating air.
High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters
A water reservoir is positioned below the chamber in CO2 incubators.
The water is evaporated to maintain the relative humidity inside the chamber.
Similarly, gas chambers are integrated into these incubators to provide the correct CO2 concentration.
Humidity and Gas Controllers
is a device designed to create a controlled environment for the growth and development of microorganisms.
An incubator
It features an insulated chamber with shelves or racks to hold the culture medium, often lined with glass or aluminum to prevent heat loss. A thermostat maintains a constant internal temperature, controlled via a digital display or buttons, while a humidity controller and onboard hygrometer monitor and regulate moisture levels.
An Incubator
The temperature is adjusted through heating and cooling cycles driven by ________, and perforated shelves ensure proper airflow.
a bimetallic strip
True or False
CO2 incubators use humidity sensors to maintain moisture, and L-shaped thermometers measure the temperature of the air and culture medium.
True
True or False
HEPA filters protect the environment from contamination, creating a stable microenvironment for microorganisms to thrive. Incubators are vital in laboratories and research settings for microbial culture work.
True
True or False
- Cleaning and sterilizing the Incubator before and after use.
- Working with carefully calibrated equipment to ensure accurate temperature and humidity readings.
- Avoid overfilling the chamber or placing materials that may interfere with airflow inside it.
True
True or False
- The plates should be positioned with the bottom side up, and the lid should open a crack to allow ventilation.
- Ensuring that the Incubator is plugged in and that all power and temperature settings are working properly before use.
- Follow all instructions on operating the Incubator, including any safety guidelines for use.
True
In __________, incubators are essential for creating a controlled environment that supports the optimal growth and replication of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The precise control of environmental factors ensures that the conditions are ideal for the microorganisms to thrive, which is crucial for accurate experimentation and analysis.
microbiology
Most microorganisms require specific conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and the appropriate gas concentrations (like CO₂), to thrive. Many human pathogens, such as _____________and ____________, are incubated at ______, which is the normal human body temperature.
Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus
37°C
In ________, incubators are used to create conditions that support the growth and development of parasitic organisms or their hosts. This is critical for understanding their life cycles, interactions with hosts, and responses to treatments.
parasitology
For instance, protozoan parasites like _______________ are cultured in incubators that maintain optimal temperatures for the growth of both the parasites and the host cells they infect, such as _________
Plasmodium falciparum (which causes malaria)
red blood cells
