Hello!
I would like to know if it's possible to do continuous absorbance readings within a CO2 incubator to regulate the CO2 concentration.
I will be working with some fastidious bacteria that require CO2 to grow and some of the work requires to do some growth curves (OD600 vs time).
I already have an EPOCH 2 microplate reader (Biotek) and we should be getting a ICO CO2 incubator (Memmert) soon, with a modification that allows cables to pass through one of the sides of the incubator.
Can I make this two equipments work together?
Am I doomed to buy a more expensive microplate reader with built in gas control unit?
Thanks in advance!
I have rotary equipment in a well ventilated standard incubator without any problems operating at 50C
Have you considered the use of fiber optics with the instrument outside the chamber?
Dear Juan,
I am using a similar setting where I have a imaging system set inside a culture chamber to maintain temperature CO2 and humidity levels ( I am recording cells in culture).
It work fine BUT there are crucial points to consider:
1) CO2 won't have any impact on the reader
2) Temperature won't affect your reader providing that your reader can work at said temperature (check the specification such as operating temperature)
3) Humidity will damage your reader !
The machine I use is sealed and has a specific device inside which prevent building up of humidity inside the system to protect the contacts and electronics (dessicate the air).
IF you are using a dry incubator it's fine, if you are having a water reservoir in your incubator then you will have some issues with your plate reader unless it is fitted with a similar humidity prevention system.
good luck