You might have heard about the artificial growth of tissues and cells. Have you ever wondered how scientists ensure the right growing conditions outside the human body? This is where the CO2 incubator comes in. This device is a complete life-supporting system. But if you are a beginner, you must wonder: What is a CO2 incubator & how does it work?
Knowing the basics and workings of a CO2 incubator is crucial, especially if you are a researcher. It will help you operate the device accurately to attain precise results. But don’t get confused if you are new to the concept of this device. In this guide, I will explain everything about CO2 incubators you need to know straightforwardly. So, let’s get started!
What is a CO2 Incubator?
It is a chamber that artificially helps grow cells, tissues, and micro-organisms. This device provides conditions that mimic the human body’s internal conditions. For example, it controls the temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels. These optimal levels keep the pH stable and help the healthy growth of a cell or tissue.
Simply put, a CO2 incubator provides life to a living cell outside the body. For example, the human body has an optimum temperature of 37 °C, at which cell growth is proper. So, inside a CO2 incubator, the temperature also remains 37°C. Moreover, it maintains optimal CO2 levels of up to 5% and humidity of up to 95%.
You may wonder why scientists need to grow the cells outside the body, right? There are several reasons for this. For instance, when scientists need to try a new drug on the human body, they cannot directly use it on the human body. For this purpose, they separate a specific cell and grow it just like the body and notice the effect of that drug.
Other uses of CO2 incubators include in vitro fertilization and clinical research. This device has made several medical experiments possible. It comes in various models and advancements. For example, a new model of O2 incubator features a HEPA filtration system and automation. This reduces the contamination and human errors, which can affect the results.
Components of CO2 Incubator
I hope this overview has given you a basic knowledge of the CO2 incubator. Before discussing its working principle, let’s explain its main components.
- Temperature Control System: This system has heating elements, sensors, and a thermostat. The heating element provides heat up to 37°C. The thermostat maintains this temperature and the sensor’s alarm in case of fluctuations.
- CO₂ Supply System: Incubators supply CO2 connected to a gas cylinder through this system. This system also has IR CO2 sensors that monitor the CO2 level and maintain it to 5%.
- Humidity Control System: In this system, CO2 incubators have water pans. These pans keep the chamber moist and provide up to 95% humidity. Along with the water pan, it has a sensor to regulate and maintain the humidity level.
- Air Circulation and Filtration: Proper humidity, CO2, and heat distribution is crucial. Therefore, CO2 incubators have air circulation systems like small fans. This system also removes contaminants such as dust particles.
- Sterilization System: Besides dust particles, microorganisms can contaminate cells. So, a CO2 incubator has a sterilization system. This system uses UV light to kill the micro-organisms and keep the chamber clean.
How Does a CO2 Incubator Work?
Understanding the working principle is relatively easy after knowing the components. So, let’s explore how a CO2 incubator works step by step.
1- Maintaining the Right Temperature
First, a CO2 incubator regulates the temperature when you place a cell. The temperature range may vary for different cells. However, most living cells need 37°C heat for proper growth. So, this chamber has heating channels that provide warmth to this exact range. Along with these channels, the CO2 incubator has a sensor and thermostat. These two components check the stability and ensure the right temperature throughout. Some of the CO2 incubators have water jackets that distribute the heat evenly.
2- Controlling the CO₂ Levels
After providing the right temperature, the incorporation of CO2 starts. As I said, CO2 incubators have gas cylinders supplying carbon dioxide gas. The right amount of CO2 is crucial to maintaining the pH level. In most acidic or basic pH, cells start dying. Inside the chamber, IR sensors check for an adequate level of CO2. In case of fluctuation, these sensors adjust the CO2 flow automatically.
3- Regulating Humidity for Cell Survival
Humidity is one of the crucial factors for the growth of a cell. In less humid places, cells or tissues face dehydration and start dying. About 95% humidity is enough for the proper development of living cells. For this purpose, CO2 incubators use water pans. These pans contain distilled water. As the warmth increases, the water in the pans evaporates. As a result, humidity increases inside the chamber. Some humidity sensors are also present to maintain an accurate humidity level. These sensors detect the fluctuation and regulate the moisture flow.
4- Ensuring Clean and Sterile Air
Cleanliness is vital for the healthy growth of cells. A minor contamination can ruin the weeks of research. So, CO2 incubators have proper sterilization systems. First, they contain HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters. These filters act like small fans that remove dust particles. Besides, CO2 incubators also have built-in sterilization systems. This system mainly contains UV lights. UV lights quickly kill bacteria, fungi, and other harmful organisms.
5- Monitoring and Safety Features
A CO2 incubator is a highly precise device. After incorporating all the conditions, it also maintains those conditions. For example, CO2 incubators have digital control panels. These panels show the proper percentage of CO2, temperature, and humidity. In case of fluctuation, you receive an alarm or warning. Most of the CO2 incubators also have backup systems for an emergency. Moreover, these incubators also include an overheating protection system. If the temperature rises, this system automatically shuts down the heating channels.
Applications of CO2 Incubator
CO2 incubators are more than just lab equipment. They create the perfect environment for discoveries and biotechnology. Let’s explore the typical applications of CO2 incubators across various fields.
1- Toxicology and Environmental Studies
CO2 incubators help in understanding the effect of toxins on living organisms. For example, they are used to test the impact of pollutants on the human body. Using CO2 incubators, you can also study the effect of environmental changes on different organisms. This helps scientists develop techniques to reduce environmental damage.
2- Microbiology and Biotechnology
CO2 incubators are most important for microbiology and biotech industries. These incubators carry a fermentation process that produces yogurt, wine, and bread. Moreover, scientists use them to grow genetically modified organisms. These organisms help in research and medicine. Lastly, CO2 incubators are also used to produce insulin, antibodies, and medical proteins.
3- Virology and Vaccine Production
Virology is the study of viruses and their effect on human bodies. Thus, scientists use CO2 incubators for growth and study several viruses closely. This study also helps in creating the vaccine. HOW? The vaccine is produced by weakening the viruses. This vaccine builds immunity in the human body and saves it from future virus attacks.
4- Cancer Research and Drug Testing
CO2 incubators play a vital role in cancer research. Scientists grow cancerous cells in these incubators under controlled conditions. Then, they study how tumors spread and affect the human body. This study helps develop treatments for cancer, such as immunotherapy and chemotherapy. Lastly, when scientists produce a medicine, they can also use it on incubated cells before directly injecting it into the human body.
5- In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
CO2 incubators are used for in vitro fertilization (IVF) in fertility laboratories. In this process, the fertilized egg is placed in the incubator, which develops into an embryo. This incubator provides optimal conditions such as temperature and oxygen, like a female womb. Moreover, CO2 incubators also provide a sterile and contamination-free environment for healthy growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lifespan of a CO2 incubator?
The lifespan of a CO2 incubator depends on quality, maintenance, and environmental conditions. Regular cleaning and occasional use can increase its lifespan. On average, a Co2 incubator lasts 10 to 15 years.
How do you maintain a CO2 incubator?
You can maintain a CO2 incubator by following the steps.
- Regular and deep cleaning once a month
- Monitor the humidity level frequently.
- Inspect all the components and replace them when required.
Do CO₂ incubators require calibration?
Yes! CO2 incubators require calibration to ensure humidity, temperature, and CO2 levels. An adequate level is crucial for the healthy growth of cells or tissue. For example, CO2 incubators are calibrated through analyzers. These analyzers ensure that CO2 level is up to 5%, humidity is up to 95%, and temperature is up to 37°C.
Conclusion
A CO2 incubator is a specialized chamber used in laboratories. This device provides optimal conditions for the healthy growth of cells outside the body. In this article, I have discussed the workings and basics of this incubator. For example, CO2 incubators maintain humidity up to 95% and CO2 levels up to 5%. Moreover, it also keeps the temperature at 37°C.
CO2 incubators also have filtration and cleaning systems. These ensure sterilization during the cell’s entire stay inside the chamber. Thus, with optimal conditions, scientists can attain precise and contamination-free results. These incubators are used in testing drugs, cancer treatments, and in vitro fertilization.