Sterilizers & Autoclaves
Sterilizers are devices used in laboratories to eliminate microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, from equipment, materials, or samples to ensure a sterile environment. They achieve this by employing heat, chemicals, or radiation to destroy or deactivate microbial life, making them essential in laboratories where contamination control is critical. The most common types of sterilizers used in labs are autoclaves, which use pressurized steam to sterilize materials at high temperatures, typically between 121°C and 134°C. Autoclaving is particularly effective for sterilizing glassware, media, and equipment, as well as for biological waste disposal. Dry heat sterilizers, which use hot air to achieve sterilization, are another option, ideal for materials that might be damaged by moisture.
Sterilizers are widely used in microbiology, molecular biology, and clinical laboratories to ensure that cultures, reagents, and equipment are free from contaminants. In addition to autoclaves and dry heat sterilizers, UV sterilizers also play a role, using ultraviolet light to disinfect surfaces or air, especially in clean rooms or biosafety cabinets.