Thermo Fisher Scientific's HERAcell 240: a high-performance CO₂ incubator for demanding cell culture
The HERAcell 240 incubator is a state-of-the-art device designed to create a controlled environment conducive to cell and tissue culture. With an internal volume of 240 litres, it allows precise regulation of temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide, three parameters that are essential for ensuring the viability and proliferation of biological cultures.
At the heart of its performance, the HERAcell 240 accurately simulates the physiological conditions necessary for culture. The temperature is kept stable by an air jacket heating system that covers the internal walls, reducing the risk of condensation. This system is complemented by a heated outer door, limiting the appearance of droplets on cold surfaces. Humidity is generated by an integrated 4.5-litre water tray, providing a relative humidity of up to 95% during normal operation. Two modes are available to adjust the humidity as required: high (95%) or low (90%).
The CO₂ level is regulated with high precision using a high-performance infrared sensor. CO₂ is injected from an external source, with the pressure regulated between 0.8 and 1 bar. The CO₂ measurement system is automatically calibrated via an auto-start function, ensuring optimum reliability, especially after prolonged shutdown or significant temperature variations.
One of the key features of this incubator is its ContraCon decontamination system. This is an automatic wet heat disinfection cycle at 90°C, covering the entire culture chamber and internal components. This process, which lasts approximately 25 hours, has been validated by independent institutions, ensuring a high level of biosafety, which is essential in sensitive environments such as molecular biology, microbiology or reproductive medicine research laboratories.
In terms of ergonomics, the device is designed for optimal ease of maintenance. Its stainless steel (or optional copper) interior chamber is completely smooth with no sharp edges, making cleaning easy. The rack system is fully removable and autoclavable, as is the fan wheel. The design minimises surfaces where contaminants could accumulate.
The digital control panel provides intuitive access to settings and parameter monitoring. In the event of an anomaly (door open, temperature or CO₂ thresholds exceeded), an audible and visual alarm system is activated. The RS232 port allows connection to a computer for remote monitoring of incubation conditions.
The HERAcell 240 can be installed alone or in a stacked configuration (up to two units), with an adapter panel available to ensure thermal insulation between the two units. It is also compatible with secure rolling bases.
The HERAcell 240 from Thermo Fisher Scientific combines reliability, performance and safety to meet the most stringent requirements of cell culture laboratories.
