Incubators are laboratory devices designed to maintain a controlled environment of temperature, humidity, and sometimes gas composition to support the growth and maintenance of biological samples, such as cells, tissues, or microorganisms. They provide stable and uniform conditions essential for reproducible experimental results.
Common applications include cell culture, microbial growth, and biochemical studies. Advanced models may include CO₂ or O₂ control for specialized cell culture requirements, programmable temperature settings, and contamination prevention features such as HEPA filters or UV sterilization. Incubators are widely used in research, clinical, and industrial laboratories for consistent and reliable sample incubation.