If you are involved in the field of biology, chemistry, or any other scientific research that involves the cultivation of living organisms, you must have heard of shaker incubators. Shaker incubators are a crucial piece of equipment used in scientific research to grow and cultivate cells, bacteria, and other microorganisms. In this article, we will dive deep into shaker incubators, their functionality, and how they are used in research.
Introduction to Shaker Incubators
Shaker incubators are a type of laboratory equipment that are used to cultivate and grow various types of living organisms in a controlled environment. These organisms can be bacteria, yeast, fungi, plant cells, or animal cells. It is designed to provide the ideal conditions for cell growth, which includes temperature, humidity, and agitation.
How Do Shaker Incubators Work?
Shaker incubators consist of an enclosed chamber that houses the culture vessel. The culture vessel can be a flask, a bottle, or a tube, depending on the type of organism being grown. The chamber is fitted with a motor that drives the shaking mechanism, which agitates the culture vessel. The shaking mechanism can be orbital or reciprocating, depending on the application.
The chamber is also equipped with a heating system that maintains the temperature at the desired level. The temperature is usually controlled by a thermostat or a microprocessor-controlled system that can regulate the temperature accurately. The temperature range can vary from 4°C to 70°C, depending on the organism being grown.
Types of Shaker Incubators
There are various types of shaker incubators available in the market, each designed for specific applications. Some of the common types of shakerLaboratory incubators are:
Orbital Shaker Incubator
The orbital shaker incubator is the most commonly used shaker incubator in scientific research. It consists of a circular platform that oscillates in a circular motion, providing gentle agitation to the culture vessel. These incubators are ideal for growing suspension cultures, bacteria, and yeast.
Reciprocating Shaker Incubator
The reciprocating shaker incubator is designed for growing adherent cell cultures, which require more vigorous agitation. The platform moves back and forth in a linear motion, providing a more vigorous shaking motion. These incubators are ideal for growing mammalian and insect cell cultures.
Stackable Shaker Incubator
The stackable shaker is designed for laboratories that require high capacity and space-saving equipment. These incubators can be stacked on top of each other, providing a higher capacity in a smaller footprint. They are ideal for growing multiple cultures simultaneously.
Applications of Shaker Incubators
Shaker incubators are used in a wide range of scientific applications, including:
Microbial Cultivation
Used for microbial cultivation, including bacteria, yeast, and fungi. They provide an ideal environment for the growth of these microorganisms, which is crucial for various applications, including industrial biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and food production.
Cell Culture
Used for cell culture, including the cultivation of mammalian, insect, and plant cells. These incubators provide an optimal environment for the growth of cells, which is crucial for various applications, including drug discovery, toxicology, and tissue engineering.
Enzyme Production
Used for the production of various enzymes, including proteases, lipases, and amylases. These enzymes are used in various industrial applications, including food processing, detergent production, and waste management.
Maintenance and Care of Shaker Incubators
Regular maintenance and care are necessary to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of shaker incubators. Some tips for maintaining and caring for shaker incubators include:
Cleaning
The device should be cleaned regularly to prevent contamination and maintain optimal conditions for cell growth. The chamber and culture vessels should be cleaned with a disinfectant solution and wiped dry with a clean cloth.
Calibration
The device should be calibrated regularly to ensure accurate temperature and agitation control. Calibration can be performed using a temperature probe and a tachometer.
Lubrication
The shaking mechanism of shaker incubators requires lubrication to maintain optimal performance. The manufacturer’s instructions should be followed for lubricating the shaking mechanism.
Replacement of Parts
Parts that wear out over time, such as the motor or belts, should be replaced promptly to prevent damage to the incubator.
What is a shaker incubator used for?
A shaker incubator is used for the cultivation of living organisms, including bacteria, yeast, and cell cultures.
Parts of Shaker Incubator
A Shaker incubator typically consists of several main parts:
- Chamber: This is the main compartment of the incubator where the samples are placed. It is usually made of stainless steel and is designed to maintain a stable temperature, humidity, and CO2 concentration.
- Door: The door is the entrance to the chamber and is typically made of clear glass or plastic to allow for easy observation of the samples inside.
- Shaker: The shaker is a platform that oscillates back and forth to provide agitation to the samples in the incubator. It is usually powered by a motor and can be adjusted for speed and intensity.
- Control panel: The control panel is where the user can adjust and monitor the settings of the incubator, such as temperature, humidity, CO2 concentration, and shaker speed.
- Heating system: The heating system is responsible for maintaining a stable temperature inside the chamber. It usually consists of a heating element, a thermostat, and a fan.
- Cooling system: The cooling system is responsible for maintaining a stable temperature when the ambient temperature is higher than the desired temperature. It usually consists of a compressor, a condenser, and a refrigerant.
- Humidification system: The humidification system is responsible for maintaining a stable humidity inside the chamber. It usually consists of a water reservoir, a humidifier, and a sensor.
- CO2 system: The CO2 system is responsible for maintaining a stable CO2 concentration inside the chamber. It usually consists of a CO2 cylinder, a regulator, and a sensor.
These are the main parts of a Shaker incubator, although some models may have additional features such as alarms, timers, or data logging capabilities. And of course other things customized to each customer’s request
