Incubator
Incubator
Incubator (/ɪnˈkjuːbətər/), derived from the Latin word 'incubare' meaning 'to lie upon', is a device used to grow and maintain microbiological cultures or cell cultures. The incubator maintains optimal temperature, humidity, and other conditions such as the carbon dioxide (CO2) and oxygen content of the atmosphere inside.
History
The first incubator was developed by the French scientist Jean-Baptiste Dumas in 1859 for chicken eggs. The device was later adapted for use in medical research and treatment.
Types of Incubators
There are several types of incubators used in the medical field, including:
- CO2 Incubator: This type of incubator is used to grow cells in a controlled environment. The CO2 concentration, temperature, and humidity are all controlled to mimic the conditions inside the human body.
- Neonatal Incubator: A neonatal incubator, or baby incubator, is a device that provides a safe and stable environment for newborn babies, especially for premature or critically ill infants.
- Microbiological Incubator: This type of incubator is used to grow and maintain microbiological cultures.
Usage
Incubators are used in a variety of fields, including medicine, biology, and microbiology. They are essential tools in medical research, used for experiments in cell biology, microbiology, and molecular biology.
Related Terms
See Also
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