How to Effectively Use the Water Bath in the Laboratory for Optimal Results?

 

A shaking water bath is used for mixing and agitating samples in a water bath under controlled temperature. Compared to other types of incubators, water baths transfer heat more quickly and effectively. Moreover, heat loss can also be minimised even when the enclosure of the incubator stays open. Therefore, the equipment is ideal for all those applications that require quick incubation with minimal temperature changes.

The water bath shaker is the right choice for moving liquids as they come with the shaking control. With continued shaking, the liquid-grown cells mix with air and the heating element stays submerged in water and maintains the temperature at a constant range.

What are the uses of water baths?

What is the purpose of using water baths in laboratories? Well, the primary usage of the equipment is heating the samples in a laboratory. The samples containing flammable chemicals when heated in an open flame are exposed to risks of combustion.

Water bath shaker are appropriate for moving the samples and keeping them in consistent motion during the heating stage. A majority of these devices are ideal for heating samples that stay at a temperature between five to ninety-nine degrees Celsius. For heating anything beyond 100 degrees Celsius, sand or silicone bath is ideal.

How does the water bath work?

You are familiar with the shaking bath and how it maintains temperature consistency when samples are heated but here is how exactly the device functions:

·         The equipment has a temperature sensor which transfers the temperature of the water to the resistance value

·         The control signal or the output regulates the heat power in an efficient manner for the heating tube

While performing these functions, the temperature in the water bath stays constant.

Tips to set up the water bath

Before heating the samples, you need to prepare the water bath adequately so that it functions appropriately to meet your needs. Here is how you need to set up the water bath:

·         When preparing the laboratory shaker, you need to fill it up with distilled water to the desired level

·         Once the container is filled, you can switch the device on and set the temperature on the temperature controller

·         Allow the water to reach the desired temperature level and the time take will depend on how much is your desired level of heat

·         Use a thermometer to measure the temperature of the water and if it is at the desired level, you can then start working with the water bath

Things to keep in mind when using the water bath

Using the water bath shaker is easy. All you can do is follow the lab equipment guide at first to get surer about the mechanism. That way, you can prevent damaging the samples or compromise their integrity. Read below to understand the basic steps you need to follow when using shaking water baths:

·         Keep the surrounding area clean and dry

·         Plug the device to a power supply

·         Check the temperature of the water and ensure that it reaches the desired level and cover the heating element

·         Switch on the device and set the temperature control to the desired level

·         Wait for the thermostat to attain enough heat

·         As soon as the heating mechanism begins, insert the samples inside carefully while the temperature sensor maintains regulate the temperature when the device is in use

·         After using the water bath, you need to remove the samples and switch off the device

Summarising shaking water bath

Here is the synopsis of shaking water bath:

·         It allows samples to shake continuously for  long time under controlled temperature conditions due to precisely-controlled shaking features

·         Due to continuous shaking, the liquid grown cell culture mixes with the air and boosts cell growth

·         Temperature can be easily adjusted due to the high-precision control

·         The flask holding clamps act as accessories and gabled lid prevents the condensate to drip on to the sample directly

·         The other features include a user-friendly keypad for easy operation and streamlined bath drains

Water bath uses

What are the major water bath uses? Read below to know more:

1.      It helps in improving the solubility of substances that are not easily soluble

2.      It is used for melting substances and heating the laboratory reagents

3.      The device is used for heating flammable substances that might be exposed to combustion in open flame

4.      It is extensively used for cell culture in laboratories

Every standard laboratory is equipped with water bath and they are not only used for heating samples but perform so many other options. So, if you need to get one to fulfil your needs, connect with IGene Labserve, one of the leading laboratory equipment manufacturers. Explore the equipment here https://www.igenels.com/ before you buy.

3 Essential Maintenance Tips to Maximise the Life and Efficiency

If you are working in a molecular biology lab, you surely know that it is one of the most essential tools needed to visualize RNA and DNA bands during the gel electrophoresis process. It is also used for viewing nucleic acids when they are stained with dyes like SYBR Green or ethidium bromide. Undoubtedly, the UV transilluminator is one of the most significant devices needed for research conducted in the field of genetics. Naturally, it needs adequate maintenance for better accuracy and to extend the life of the equipment.

Components of a UV transilluminator

Before you get into the maintenance act and understand how to keep it functioning reliably and effectively, here is looking into the components f the system:

The UV transilluminator is one of the basic devices used in life science laboratories for visualising proteins and target DNAs. It works by emitting high levels of UV radiation through a viewing surface. Usually, polyacrylamide and agarose gels and DNA becomes more clearly visible soon after the electrophoresis process. Thanks to the power of UV lamps. The gels can be directly placed on the equipment and the wavelength needs to vary based on the application. Here is delving into the key components of the system:

·         UV lamp

The UV lamp is the primary source of light and emits UV radiation needed to excite flurophores present in the sample.

·         Surface plate

The surface plate refers to the acrylic or glass surface used for placing the gel

·         Filters

Transilluminators have filters that allow light with only specific wavelengths to pass through the sample.

·         Cooling system

The cooling system is needed to disperse the heat that the UV lamps generate. It helps prevent the system from becoming overheated.

Each component of the transilluminator requires proper care and maintenance and cleaning so that the equipment functions efficiently.

Maintenance tips for UV transilluminators

Let us delve into the maintenance tips needed for proper care of UV transilluminators:

1.      Cleaning the surface plate

The surface plate of this equipment is where the gel is placed for visualising the samples. Naturally, this area needs to be cleaned as unclean plates are most likely to be contaminated and may obstruct the UV light and affect the outcome negatively. With regular cleaning, you can rub off the buildup of the stains generated y SYBR Green and ethidium bromide. Besides, the stained area also attracts dust and lowers the performance of the equipment.

2.      Inspection and replacement of UV lamps

If you are a first-time user of a UV transilluminator, you may not know that the UV lamps tend to lose intensity and may become ineffective. That way, the quality of images and the final outcome may also degrade. That is why laboratories must have well-placed system for regular inspection of UV lamps. It is through inspection that you will come to know when and how to replace the bulbs.  Here are the signs that will help you decide whether or not to replace the bulbs:

·         Lack of consistency

When pockets of the transilluminator turn bleak compared to the other areas, it reveals that there is a severe lack of consistency in the distribution of light. Light tends to become uneven due to malfunctioning in the device.

·         No intensity

The transilluminator aims to facilitate gel viewing during the electrophoresis process. Now, when the images turn faint and are hardly recognisable, you need to realise that the lamp is losing its original strength. After all, when the samples become hard to fathom, the outcome of the gel electrophoresis process falls flat.

·         Damaged or cracked bulbs

When you notice a physical damage to UV lamps, the condition needs to be addressed immediately. You must replace the bulb to avoid safety risks and level up the performance.

3.      Cleaning the cooling system

The fan or the cooling system of your UV transilluminator needs to undergo regular cleaning as it regulates the heat that the device generates. Here is how:

·         Cleaning the vents

Debris and dust may clog the fan ad obstruct the airflow severely. Using a small brush to clean the vents regularly keeps the system functioning accurately.

·         Inspection of the fan

Check whether the fan is functioning appropriately. If it is not, the transilluminator may stop functioning abruptly.

·         Inspect for overheating

Is the equipment becoming overheated? When you find it too hot to touch, chances are that it might b due to overheating. Make sure the cooling system functions properly and prevents the device from becoming overheated.

When you are not using the UV transilluminator in the laboratory, try to store it in a dry or clean area. Besides, you must ever keep a heavy object on the top as it may cause extensive mechanical stress. From replacement of the UV lamp to cleaning the fan vents, maintaining the device is essential. You need to follow the abovementioned tips to ensure that the tool functions appropriately in the laboratory. To buy new laboratory equipment from a reliable manufacturer, look forward to IGene Labserve for top-grade devices.