Memmert INC108 Carbon Dioxide Incubator
| Brand | MEMMERT |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | INC108 |
| Chamber Volume | 108 L |
| Temperature Range | 20–45 °C (min. 8 °C above ambient) |
| Temp. Set/Display Resolution | 0.1 °C |
| Temp. Uniformity | ±0.3 °C @ 37 °C |
| CO₂ Range | 0–10% (0.1% steps), optional 0–20% |
| CO₂ Set/Display Resolution | 0.1% |
| CO₂ Stability | ±0.1% over time |
| CO₂ Uniformity | ±0.3% across chamber |
| Humidity Range (standard water pan) | 88–97% RH (1% steps) |
| Humidity Range (optional dynamic steam generator) | 40–97% RH |
| Humidity Stability | ±1% RH over time |
| Humidity Control | PID-controlled water pan or steam-based active regulation |
| Heating | 6-sided uniform heating with aluminum thermal mass layer |
| Airflow | Turbulence-free, laminar convection system |
| Door | Double-wall — inner tempered glass + outer stainless steel |
| Sterilization | In-situ dry-heat sterilization at 160 °C for 4 h (chamber, sensors, ducts, water pan) |
| Safety | Audible alarms for over/under temperature, CO₂ deviation, door open, empty gas cylinder |
| Certification | CE-marked |
Overview
The Memmert INC108 Carbon Dioxide Incubator is a precision-engineered life science instrument designed for reliable, long-term cell culture under strictly controlled physiological conditions. Utilizing non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) CO₂ sensing technology, high-fidelity PID temperature regulation, and turbulence-free laminar airflow, the INC108 maintains stable, homogeneous microenvironments essential for sensitive mammalian, stem, and primary cell lines. Its 108 L stainless-steel chamber integrates six-sided heating with an aluminum thermal mass layer—ensuring rapid thermal equilibration, exceptional temperature uniformity (±0.3 °C at 37 °C), and passive thermal inertia during brief power interruptions. The incubator operates within a biologically relevant temperature range of 20–45 °C (minimum setpoint elevated ≥8 °C above ambient), with resolution to 0.1 °C for both setpoint and display. All critical subsystems—including CO₂ delivery, humidity generation, and sensor networks—are validated for compatibility with GLP and GMP workflows, supporting traceable, auditable cell culture operations in academic, pharmaceutical, and contract research laboratories.
Key Features
- Six-face heating architecture with integrated aluminum thermal mass layer for optimal temperature homogeneity and transient stability
- Turbulence-free convection system ensuring uniform distribution of temperature, CO₂, and humidity without shear stress on adherent or suspension cultures
- Dual-door design: inner tempered glass door for non-invasive visual monitoring of light- and heat-sensitive specimens; outer stainless-steel door for thermal insulation and contamination control
- Standard humidity control via PID-regulated water pan (88–97% RH, 1% increments); optional dynamic steam generator enables extended range (40–97% RH) with ±1% RH stability and sterile vapor integration
- NDIR CO₂ sensor with automatic zero calibration every 24 hours and on system startup; factory-calibrated at 5%, 10%, and 15% CO₂; real-time compensation for pressure and temperature drift
- Full-chamber in-situ sterilization capability at 160 °C for 4 hours—validated for chamber walls, air ducts, water pan, and all embedded sensors
- Integrated CO₂ disinfection filter and fail-safe gas management: automatic CO₂ shutoff upon door opening; dual-cylinder auto-switching option (optional)
- Robust 304 stainless-steel construction (interior and exterior) with electropolished surfaces for corrosion resistance, cleanability, and compliance with ISO 14644-1 Class 5 environments
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The INC108 supports a broad spectrum of cell-based applications—from routine HEK293 and CHO maintenance to delicate iPSC differentiation and co-culture assays requiring stringent environmental fidelity. Its low-turbulence airflow and absence of fan-induced desiccation minimize mechanical stress on monolayers and 3D organoids. All materials in contact with the chamber interior comply with USP Class VI biocompatibility standards. The system conforms to IEC 61010-1 (safety of laboratory equipment) and EN 61326-1 (EMC requirements), and carries full CE marking. Calibration documentation—including temperature verification at 37 °C and multi-point CO₂ validation—is provided with each unit. Optional Celsius software enables 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic records, including user authentication, audit trails, and immutable data export for regulatory submissions.
Software & Data Management
The INC108 is compatible with Memmert’s Celsius software suite (optional), enabling remote configuration, real-time parameter logging, alarm event history, and automated report generation. System settings—including temperature, CO₂, humidity profiles, sterilization cycles, and alarm thresholds—can be programmed via the front-panel interface or imported/exported using chip-based memory cards. A built-in log storage retains up to 30 days of minute-interval data (temperature, CO₂, humidity, door status, error codes) even during network outages. For regulated environments, optional firmware upgrades support electronic signature capture, role-based access control, and ALCOA+ data integrity principles. All sensor outputs are timestamped and linked to unique device identifiers for full traceability across instrument lifecycles.
Applications
- Mammalian cell culture (adherent and suspension) under physiologically relevant CO₂ (5%) and humidity (≥90% RH)
- Stem cell expansion and directed differentiation requiring minimal environmental fluctuation
- Microbial co-culture studies where O₂/CO₂ cross-talk must be isolated from external interference
- Long-term cytotoxicity and drug-response assays demanding >72-hour stability in CO₂ and temperature
- Pre-sterilized chamber workflows for aseptic process validation and media stability testing
- Regulatory-grade bioproduction support, including QC release testing per USP and Ph. Eur. 2.6.27
FAQ
What is the maximum allowable ambient temperature for stable operation at 37 °C?
The INC108 requires ambient temperature to remain at least 8 °C below the selected setpoint; thus, for 37 °C operation, ambient must not exceed 29 °C.
Can the humidity system be validated for IQ/OQ protocols?
Yes—the standard water pan and optional steam generator both support documented mapping procedures; Memmert provides qualification templates aligned with ASTM E2500 and ISPE Baseline Guide.
Is the NDIR CO₂ sensor field-replaceable without recalibration?
No—sensor replacement requires factory recalibration and issuance of a new certificate; however, the built-in auto-zero function mitigates drift between service intervals.
Does the incubator support continuous data export to a LIMS?
Via Celsius software with OPC UA or Modbus TCP interfaces, raw sensor streams and event logs can be routed to enterprise systems without proprietary middleware.
How is sterility assurance maintained during door openings?
The CO₂ supply halts immediately upon door detection; internal HEPA-filtered recirculation continues, and CO₂ reintroduces only after door closure and stabilization confirmation.
