Sensitive cell cultures depend on more than precise temperatures. The new Memmert ICO CO₂ incubator combines condensation-free climate control, advanced hygiene and digital traceability to support safe, reproducible cultivation.
By Philipp Pabst, Head of Product Management at Memmert
In cell culture, small environmental changes can have significant consequences. Condensation, fluctuating humidity or unnoticed changes in operating conditions can put valuable samples at risk. The new Memmert ICO CO₂ incubator addresses these challenges with a carefully controlled growth environment, hygienic engineering and digital tools designed for everyday laboratory work.
A stable climate for sensitive cultures
Reliable cell cultivation starts with consistency. The ICO combines precise temperature regulation, active humidification and dehumidification, and optimised air circulation to maintain homogeneous conditions throughout the chamber. At 37 °C and 95% relative humidity, it operates without condensation. That means no unwanted droplets inside the chamber and fewer potential disturbances to sensitive cultures. By avoiding moisture collecting on internal surfaces, the system addresses a familiar concern in workflows where sample integrity and consistent conditions are essential.
Stable temperature, humidity and CO₂ distribution support reproducible workflows, from routine cell cultivation to demanding research applications. Optional O₂ control extends the incubator’s capabilities to applications that require a controlled oxygen atmosphere. For laboratories working with valuable biological material, the aim is simple: maintain the conditions cells need, day after day.
Hygiene built into the design
Protecting cultures also means making contamination prevention part of the device itself. The ICO features smooth stainless-steel interior surfaces and generous radii to simplify cleaning. Its integrated 180 °C hot-air sterilisation programme provides an additional safeguard between processes. An integrated HEPA filter continuously filters the chamber air volume every 60 seconds, supporting a clean cultivation environment. This integrated approach combines preventive hygiene measures with straightforward access to the chamber, without adding unnecessary complexity to routine handling.
These design decisions matter in busy laboratories, where cleaning routines must be both dependable and practical. By combining accessible surfaces with an integrated hygiene concept, the ICO helps teams focus on their samples rather than complicated maintenance procedures.
Intuitive operation, transparent processes
The new operating concept brings key functions directly to the door handle. An integrated touch display gives users convenient access to parameters and settings without navigating a separate control panel. Fingerprint or RFID authentication, structured user management and audit trails support controlled access and traceable operation. Clear on-device visibility also helps different team members understand the current status and work confidently with shared laboratory equipment.
Connectivity extends this visibility beyond the incubator. Through the Memmert myChamber ecosystem, laboratories can monitor processes via the myChamber App, manage and programme devices with myChamber Control, enable remote access through myChamber Link and connect device information to laboratory systems using myChamber LIMS. Together, these tools help make connected laboratory processes easier to oversee and document.
More flexibility, responsible design
Laboratory space is valuable. The new ICO features a reduced overall height, improved volume efficiency and a stackable design, helping users make better use of their available footprint. A new 180-litre size option adds flexibility when planning capacity for different workflows. These practical design choices offer additional options when teams set up or reorganise their laboratory space.
Efficiency is another part of the development approach. The new incubator combines high performance with improved energy efficiency and carries the ACT Label, reflecting Memmert’s focus on more sustainable laboratory equipment.
Built for the next generation of research
From regenerative medicine and stem cell cultivation to organoid and spheroid research, diagnostics, pharmacology, personalised medicine, CAR T-cell therapy and IVF, modern laboratories need confidence in every growth cycle. The new Memmert ICO brings together the environmental precision, hygiene, usability and connectivity these sensitive applications demand.
This focus supports greater confidence in daily cultivation.
Because when conditions remain reliable, researchers can concentrate on what matters most: their work and the results it makes possible.
