A solution for your issues. Evolving Science For The Future | Articles

CO₂ incubator × Cell changeover downtime solution

When changing over cultured cells, various tasks such as cleaning and sterilization of the inside of the chamber after culture and pre-setup of equipment are required to protect new cells from contamination. PHCbi's CO₂ incubator has excellent usability with the unique ‘hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) sterilization’ that completes internal decontamination in about 2 and a half hours, and ‘integrated shelf catches’ that makes it easy to clean the interior, which reduces downtime in the lab.

[Feature 1] Sterilization can be finished in approx. 2 and a half hours *1 via Hydrogen Peroxide (H₂O₂) Sterilization *2

*1 : Overall work time measured by PHC. Work time may fluctuate depending on cleaning time.
*2 : Default equipped in MCO-170AICUVH、MCO-230AICUVH、MCO-170MUVH. Optional for other models.
・No need to detach/reinstall internal components
・Does not affect temperature of double-stacked units
・Low energy usage, due to lack of use heater when sterilizing

High speed sterilization systems utilizing hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), also used in latest regenerative medicine equipment, only takes approximately 135 minutes. Even taking account preparation time, the entire process takes approximately 2 and a half hours, aiding scientists in thoroughly sterilizing their equipment and reducing downtime at the same time.

Hydrogen Peroxide ( H₂O₂) Sterilization Process

  • Step 1

    Preparation (15 min)

    ・Reinstalling internal components
    ・Cleaning the internal chamber
    ・Setting the sterilization location
    ・Preparing the H₂O₂ evaporator

  • Step 2

    Sterilization (15 min)

    Only required to operate control panel 2 times. Sterilization process is automated.

  • Step 3

    Tidying up (15 min)

    ・Ventilation
    ・Wiping down the internal walls
    ・Placing cells to be cultivated on shelves inside

  • Sterilization
    Approx. 2 and a half hours *1

Principle of the Hydrogen Peroxide (H₂O₂) Sterilization

1. Hydrogen peroxide (aqueous) is converted to vapour using high frequency ultrasonics. During this process, the fan motor remains active, ensuring H₂O₂ vapour accesses every point of the chamber and the tubing to and from, and the inside of the CO₂ sensor.
2. The H₂O₂ vapour breaks down into hydroxyl radicals naturally.
3. The hydroxl radicals initiate a chain reaction of electron stealing.
4. This unstable internal environment leads to death of contaminants. Remaining hydroxyl radicals and H₂O₂ are resolved to H₂O (aqueous) & O₂ (gas).

See here for details

[Product Lineup] A wide range available according to the type and scale of your research

CO₂ Incubator 50L Class 170L Class 230L Class
Model Number MCO-50AIC MCO-170AICUVH MCO-230AICUVH
Capacity (L) 50 165 230
Hydrogen Peroxide Sterilization Optional Equipped Equipped
UV Decontamination Optional Equipped Equipped
Integrated Tray Catches Equipped Equipped Equipped
Click
Click
Click
Multi-gas Incubator 50L Class 170L Class
Model Number MCO-50M MCO-170MUVH
Capacity (L) 50 165
Hydrogen Peroxide Sterilization Optional Equipped
UV Decontamination Optional Equipped
Integrated Tray Catches Equipped Equipped
Click
Click

[Feature 2] Time tidying up is approximately 1/5 (compared with previous models)*3, from reducing approximately 80% of internal components.

*3 : Compared with the previous model MCO-19AIC

Successfully reduced 80% of the internal components compared to previous models, by redesigning the internal chamber and integrating the tray catches.

Successfully reduced cleaning time at cultivation turnover to 1/5 compared to previous models, by reducing the internal components and redesigning the internal chamber.

Successfully expanded 25% of tray surface area compared to previous models, without increasing the installation area required. Now able to place 4 more 100φ sized petri dishes (MCO-170AIC Series).

[Application] HUB (Hubrecht Organoid Technology)

HUB (Hubrecht Organoid Technology)

“We simply need to have the right equipment. This certainly applies to the incubators, which are essential to our work. In addition to specific conditions regarding stability and notification (alarms), if an incubator experienced a failure or its temperature deviated slightly, it’s important for us to be able to find this information in the logged data. After all, these are valuable materials, often stemming from seriously ill patients. There’s no compromising in this regard.”

[Other Features] Usability thought out for everyday use

  • Large color touch panel LCD operational with gloves on & send vital information (operation status, alarm history, etc.) to PC via USB drive.
  • Security features to protect your valued samples (automatic lock*4, and key lock*5).
  • Reversible door which you can choose the orientation of your choice. Double stackable as well, to minimize installation space.
  • Prevent contamination whilst cultivating with the UV sterilization system & copper stainless alloy which has high antibacterial properties.
  • Dual IR sensors that rapidly recover internal environment after a door opening.
*4 : Default equipped in MCO-170AICUVH/MCO-170AICUVD/MCO-230AICUVH/MCO-170MUVH.
Optional for other models when equipped with the electric lock (MCO-170EL).
*5 : Equipped in all models