Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hi,
I would like to purchase a 37C incubator to grow E. Coli B bacteria. What would be the best one? There are so many different kinds CO2, Shaker, etc. Some cost thousands of dollars. Is there a less expensive one? I don't need anything fancy.
Thank you,
cincibuddy

Hi Cincibuddy,

Your microbiology experiment sounds fun! From my research, I suggest that you either buy an “egg” incubator, or you could make an incubator yourself! The ones that cost thousands of dollars are commercial incubators, which are unnecessary. To simulate an incubator, you could put your plates of E coli bacteria in any constantly warm location. For example, you could place your plates of E coli bacteria in a box over a heater, or in a box with a bottle of hot water. Sometimes a lightbulb is used inside a box (with the E coli plates shielded) to simulate an incubator, however you have to make sure the lightbulb isn’t near anything flammable. If you want to buy one, “egg incubators” work perfectly fine for growing E coli and can be as cheap as $40. At G.Q.F. Manufacturing of Savannah, Georgia, you can buy an E coli egg “Hovabator” Incubator for $44. Here is the link: http://www.gqfmfg.com/hova-bator/1602n- ... ova-bator/ For more information about E coli experiments and incubators used, I strongly suggest you go to this link- https://www.micrologylabs.com/page.php? ... me=FAQ#six
The answer to “6. Do I need an incubator and how long should I incubate the plates?” on that page will tell you a bit more about getting/making an incubator. Finally, the Science Buddies has a range of experiments focusing on E coli, if you want any additional help in your project. Each experiment provides materials and procedures. You can find them if you search “E coli” in the search bar at the top right of the science buddies page.

Good luck with your experiment!

~Catherine M.

Hi Cincibuddy,

First of all, thank you for posting!

E. coli are relatively easy to grow and maintain. Just like Catherine already explained, you can either make your own little incubator or buy a really cheap egg incubator. The principle; however, is very simple if you want to build your own. I'd try to make a plexiglass box and just leave it in the sun (next to a window).

Let us know if you have any further questions!

Peter S.

Thank you so much Catherine and Peter for your suggestions. I will go ahead and try them.

Cinci Buddy