Incubators often use CO2 (carbon dioxide) for several reasons, particularly in cell culture and microbiology applications:
pH Regulation: CO2 dissolved in water forms carbonic acid, which helps to maintain a stable pH in the growth medium. This is crucial for maintaining the optimal conditions for cell growth and proliferation.
Buffering: Carbon dioxide also acts as a buffer, helping to stabilize the pH by balancing the acidity in the medium. This is important because cells are sensitive to pH changes, and a stable environment promotes healthy growth.
Cellular Respiration: Many cell types require CO2 for their metabolic processes, such as respiration. By maintaining a controlled CO2 atmosphere (typically around 5%), incubators ensure that cells have the necessary conditions for energy production and other metabolic activities.
Preventing pH Drift: Without CO2, the pH of the medium can drift due to the metabolic activities of cells, which produce acids and bases. CO2 helps to counteract these changes, keeping the pH within the optimal range for cell culture.
Overall, CO2 regulation in incubators is critical for creating an environment that supports cell viability, growth, and specific cellular functions needed for various biological and biomedical research purposes.