Laboratory incubators are used by scientists to grow, maintain, and store cell cultures. With the help of a laboratory incubator, they can manage the humidity, temperature, oxygen, and carbon dioxide content inside the equipment to achieve an environment that is suited for survival.
Laboratory incubators are used for many applications. They are especially prevalent in laboratories dedicated primarily to pharmaceuticals and microbiology. Amazingly, they are also considered a staple in many industries like cosmetics, agriculture, and food and beverage.
Common Types of Laboratory Incubators
There are several types of laboratory incubators. Some of the most popular include:
Microbiological Incubators
Also known as standard or heat-only incubators, microbiological incubators come with heating elements that are capable of providing incubation temperatures that are above the ambient temperature. That said, a microbiological incubator is considered the most suitable option if the research requirement is 30°C or above.
Low-Temperature Incubators
Low temperature incubators can provide accurate temperature control. This is important so you can achieve reliable results in food, cosmetics, pharmacology, and microbiology research. If the research requirement is 30°C or below, a low-temperature incubator is your best choice.
CO2 Incubators
CO2 incubators are climate-controlled and sealed boxes that are typically used in life science laboratories to create the right environment for biological cell cultures. Since life science laboratories need to retain the same condition as the inside of the human body, a CO2 incubator would be a great investment.