The growth of fungi is extremely sensitive to temperature, and different strains have their own growth temperatures. The mold incubator is equipped with a high-precision temperature control system, usually using PID regulation technology to ensure that the temperature fluctuation range is within ± 0.5 ℃, and some models can even reach ± 0.1 ℃. When the temperature inside the box is lower than the set value, the heating element will automatically start, heating the air and maintaining the set temperature; When the temperature inside the box exceeds the set value, the heating element will stop working to avoid adverse effects on mold growth caused by excessive temperature.

Humidity regulation: Mold growth requires a certain humidity environment, usually requiring a relative humidity of 90 or above. The incubator accurately controls humidity through built-in humidity sensors and humidification systems. The humidification system may use methods such as ultrasonic humidification, steam humidification, or centrifugal humidification to ensure that the humidity inside the cultivation chamber remains stable within an appropriate range.

Light simulation: For certain types of fungi that require light, the incubator is also equipped with a light system. These systems can simulate natural light or light sources of specific wavelengths to meet the light requirements of fungi at different growth stages. The use of a full spectrum plant growth lamp, which is almost identical to sunlight, allows plants to better absorb light for photosynthesis, promoting plant growth and disease resistance.

Measurement steps and precautions for using mold incubators:

1、 Measurement steps

1. Sample collection and pretreatment: Using sterile sampling bottles, water samples are collected at different monitoring points (such as rivers, lakes, drinking water sources, etc.), with 3 parallel samples collected at each point to avoid sample contamination. If the water is turbid, first filter it through a 0.45 μ m membrane to remove impurities and larger particles, while retaining the filtrate containing fungal spores.

2. Vaccination: Pour the prepared culture medium into a sterile culture dish and wait for it to solidify. Inoculate the processed sample onto the culture medium using a pipette or sterile cotton swab.

3. Cultivation: Place the inoculated culture dish into the mold incubator and maintain the temperature (30 ± 1) ℃ and relative humidity (97 ± 2) throughout the entire experiment period. The test chamber should be closed during the cultivation period, except during inspection or when other test equipment is installed.

4. Observation record: After 7 days of cultivation, check the growth of mold on the control strip to determine whether the environmental conditions are suitable for mold growth. Provide oxygen to the container every 7 days as needed until the specified cultivation period ends. The opening time should only last for a few minutes. There should be visible growth of different molds on each control strip, and records should be made based on the observation results.

2、 Precautions for use

1. Standardized operation: Strictly follow the operating procedures to avoid experimental failure or equipment damage caused by improper operation.

2. Real time monitoring: During the cultivation process, monitor the temperature, humidity, and other parameters inside the incubator in real time to ensure that they meet the experimental requirements. If there are any abnormalities, they should be adjusted and dealt with in a timely manner.

3. Regular maintenance: Clean and disinfect the mold incubator regularly to prevent mold growth and cross contamination. At the same time, check whether the components of the equipment, such as humidifiers, heating tubes, refrigeration systems, etc., are normal. If there are any faults, they should be repaired or replaced in a timely manner.

4. Safety first: Pay attention to electrical safety and avoid equipment leakage or short circuit. During the operation, prevent being burned by high temperatures or corroded by chemical reagents. After the experiment is completed, promptly turn off the power and clean the experimental site.