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Sanyo MCO-19AIC CO₂ Cell Culture Incubator
For many laboratories, consistency is more valuable than complexity. An incubator that reliably maintains temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide concentration day after day can become one of the most heavily utilized instruments in the laboratory. The Sanyo MCO-19AIC CO₂ Cell Culture Incubator has earned its reputation by providing dependable environmental control, excellent contamination resistance, and straightforward operation for a wide variety of cell culture applications. Its combination of direct heating, copper-enriched stainless steel construction, and integrated UV sterilization continues to make it a popular choice for biotechnology companies, academic research laboratories, pharmaceutical development, and clinical research facilities.
Offering a 170-liter (6.0 cu. ft.) chamber, the MCO-19AIC provides ample space for routine tissue culture work while maintaining rapid recovery after door openings. The incubator utilizes Sanyo's Direct Heat & Air Jacket (DHA) heating system together with PID-controlled temperature and CO₂ regulation to provide stable environmental conditions for sensitive cell cultures. Purchasing a refurbished Sanyo MCO-19AIC from American Instrument Exchange gives laboratories access to one of the industry's most proven CO₂ incubator platforms at a fraction of the cost of purchasing comparable new equipment.
Key Features
170 L (6.0 cu. ft.) chamber capacity
Direct Heat & Air Jacket (DHA) heating system
Copper-containing stainless steel chamber
SafeCell UV sterilization system
PID temperature and CO₂ control
Temperature range from ambient +5°C to 50°C
CO₂ control range from 0% to 20%
Natural evaporation humidity system
Fan-assisted air circulation
Heated tempered glass inner door
Digital temperature and CO₂ displays
Adjustable stainless steel shelving
Air filtration system
Stackable design
90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange
Designed for Reliable Everyday Cell Culture
The Sanyo MCO-19AIC was developed for laboratories requiring dependable environmental performance across a broad range of biological research applications. Rather than emphasizing highly automated workflows, the incubator focuses on maintaining stable incubation conditions with a proven mechanical design that has been trusted in research laboratories for many years.
Its 170-liter chamber provides sufficient capacity for multiple investigators or concurrent research projects while maintaining a compact laboratory footprint. The chamber accommodates everything from routine mammalian cell culture to more specialized applications involving stem cells, primary cells, hybridomas, and tissue engineering research.
Many laboratories continue to operate MCO-19AIC incubators alongside newer equipment because of their proven reliability and consistent performance. The incubator integrates easily into complete tissue culture workflows that include biosafety cabinets for aseptic processing, laboratory centrifuges for harvesting cells, laboratory refrigerators for media storage, and ultra-low temperature freezers for preserving valuable cell banks.
Common Applications
The Sanyo MCO-19AIC is commonly used for:
Mammalian cell culture
Primary cell culture
Stem cell research
Regenerative medicine
Tissue engineering
In vitro fertilization (IVF)
Hybridoma production
Pharmaceutical development
Genomic and proteomic research
Vaccine research
Biotechnology process development
Plant and amphibian cell culture
Clinical laboratory research
Academic life science research
Its stable environmental control and contamination-resistant chamber design make it particularly well suited for laboratories maintaining long-term cultures and valuable biological specimens.
Ideal Laboratory Environments
The MCO-19AIC is frequently found in university research laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology startups, hospital research centers, government laboratories, and clinical research organizations. Its combination of proven reliability, moderate chamber capacity, and straightforward operation makes it an excellent incubator for both established laboratories and facilities expanding their cell culture capabilities.
Because the incubator utilizes a robust mechanical design with relatively simple routine maintenance requirements, it is also well suited for shared laboratory environments where multiple users rely on consistent performance throughout the workday.
Temperature Recovery and Environmental Stability
Healthy cell cultures require a stable environment that recovers quickly following routine laboratory access. Every door opening temporarily disrupts chamber temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide concentration, making recovery performance an important factor in maintaining reproducible experimental conditions.
The MCO-19AIC utilizes Sanyo's Direct Heat & Air Jacket (DHA) system, combining heater jacket technology with warmed circulating air to provide uniform temperature distribution throughout the chamber. Operating from ambient +5°C to 50°C, the incubator uses independent PID control for both temperature and CO₂ regulation, allowing stable environmental conditions during extended culture periods. Natural evaporation humidification maintains high relative humidity while reducing evaporation of cell culture media during long incubations.
Contamination Control
The Sanyo MCO-19AIC incorporates multiple contamination-control technologies designed to protect valuable biological cultures during routine laboratory operation. The chamber is constructed from copper-containing stainless steel, combining excellent corrosion resistance with the natural antimicrobial properties of copper to help suppress microbial growth on interior surfaces.
The incubator also features the SafeCell UV sterilization system, which continuously disinfects conditioned chamber air and the humidity reservoir using an ozone-free ultraviolet lamp isolated from the culture chamber. Because the UV source is separated from cultured samples, the system helps maintain a cleaner incubation environment without exposing cells directly to ultraviolet radiation. Together with the chamber air filtration system and simplified interior design, these features reduce contamination risk while minimizing routine maintenance requirements.
Sample Storage Recommendations
The Sanyo MCO-19AIC is designed to support a wide variety of tissue culture workflows, from routine maintenance of established cell lines to long-term expansion of primary cells and stem cells. Its 170-liter chamber provides ample usable space for T-flasks, tissue culture dishes, multiwell plates, roller bottles, suspension culture vessels, spinner flasks, and specialized culture systems while maintaining uniform environmental conditions throughout the interior.
Four adjustable stainless steel shelves allow researchers to configure the chamber to accommodate vessels of different heights and maximize usable storage capacity. As laboratory needs evolve, additional shelving can be added to increase throughput while maintaining adequate airflow around individual culture vessels. Proper spacing between samples helps promote consistent temperature recovery and carbon dioxide distribution after each door opening.
For laboratories maintaining multiple active research projects, organizing cultures by investigator, study, or cell line can reduce unnecessary handling and minimize the frequency of door openings. Separating high-value cultures from routine experimental work also helps reduce cross-contamination risks while improving laboratory organization and productivity.
Energy Efficiency and Operating Costs
The Sanyo MCO-19AIC was engineered for continuous operation in busy research environments where incubators remain powered around the clock. Its Direct Heat & Air Jacket heating system combines rapid temperature recovery with efficient energy use by warming both the chamber walls and circulating air rather than relying on a large water jacket. This design allows the incubator to recover quickly after routine access while reducing warm-up time during startup.
The natural humidity system eliminates the complexity of external steam generators or mechanical humidification equipment, reducing both maintenance requirements and operating costs. Routine water changes and periodic chamber cleaning are generally all that is required to maintain proper humidity performance.
Long-term operating expenses are also reduced through the incubator's durable copper-containing stainless steel chamber and SafeCell UV sterilization system. By continuously helping suppress microbial growth inside the chamber, these technologies reduce the frequency of contamination events that can lead to lost cultures, repeated experiments, and unnecessary laboratory downtime.
How does the Sanyo MCO-19AIC differ from later Panasonic and PHCbi Cell-IQ incubators?
The MCO-19AIC represents an earlier generation of Sanyo's premium CO₂ incubators. While later Cell-IQ models introduced infrared CO₂ sensing, touchscreen interfaces, and optional hydrogen peroxide sterilization, the MCO-19AIC remains a highly respected platform because of its reliable Direct Heat & Air Jacket design, SafeCell UV system, and durable copper-containing chamber.
Is the thermal conductivity CO₂ sensor suitable for routine cell culture?
Yes. Thermal conductivity sensors have been used successfully in research laboratories for many years. When properly calibrated, they provide dependable CO₂ regulation for routine mammalian cell culture, primary cells, hybridomas, and many other biological applications.
Why do some laboratories continue using the MCO-19AIC even after newer models became available?
Many laboratories value the MCO-19AIC for its proven reliability, straightforward operation, and robust mechanical design. Because replacement parts and service expertise remain widely available, these incubators often continue operating successfully for many years in academic and research laboratories.
What role does the copper chamber play in contamination prevention?
Copper possesses natural antimicrobial properties that help inhibit the survival of many microorganisms on chamber surfaces. While it does not replace proper laboratory cleaning procedures, the copper-containing stainless steel chamber provides continuous passive protection between routine maintenance intervals.
Is this incubator appropriate for IVF laboratories?
Yes. The stable temperature regulation, high humidity environment, and dependable CO₂ control have made the MCO-19AIC a popular incubator for in vitro fertilization laboratories as well as research applications involving sensitive mammalian cells.
Can the incubator be used continuously for long-term experiments?
Absolutely. The MCO-19AIC was designed for continuous operation and is well suited for experiments lasting weeks or months. Its stable environmental controls help minimize fluctuations that could affect long-term cell viability or experimental reproducibility.
What maintenance is typically required?
Routine maintenance generally includes replacing distilled water in the humidity pan, cleaning interior surfaces, monitoring CO₂ calibration, changing the chamber air filter as recommended, and periodically inspecting door gaskets to ensure a proper seal. These simple maintenance practices help preserve stable incubation conditions over the life of the instrument.
Why purchase a refurbished Sanyo MCO-19AIC from American Instrument Exchange?
A refurbished Sanyo MCO-19AIC offers an excellent opportunity to acquire a proven, research-grade CO₂ incubator at substantial savings compared with purchasing new equipment. Every incubator is inspected and tested by American Instrument Exchange before shipment and includes a 90-day warranty, providing confidence that the system is ready for dependable laboratory operation.
Click Hereto see the Sanyo MCO-19AIC CO2 incubator on the American Instrument Exchange YouTube channel.
Testing Procedures for Used and Refurbished CO₂ Laboratory Incubators Ensure Atmosphere Control, Temperature Accuracy, and Regulatory Compliance
At American Instrument Exchange, all used and refurbished CO₂ incubators undergo a multi-step testing and calibration process. These procedures are designed to ensure precise environmental control, microbial safety, and long-term reliability—critical for cell culture, IVF, tissue engineering, and pharmaceutical R&D applications.
Why Testing Used CO₂ Incubators Is Essential
Before a CO₂ incubator is redeployed into a laboratory, it must be thoroughly tested for:
• CO₂ sensor accuracy and gas concentration control
• Temperature uniformity and stability
• Humidity system function
• HEPA filtration and contamination control
• Electrical and safety compliance
Proper testing ensures viable growth environments for sensitive cultures and prevents costly contamination or culture loss in high-stakes lab environments.
Our standardized refurbishment protocol ensures used CO₂ incubators deliver laboratory grade performance at a fraction of the cost of comparable new units.
Key Testing Procedures for Refurbished and Used CO₂ Incubators
1. Initial Visual Inspection
• Inspect the exterior for corrosion, dents, or door alignment issues
• Check door gasket integrity and hinge function
• Verify presence and condition of internal shelves, water pans, and humidity trays
• Examine power cords, gas connectors, and display interfaces for signs of wear
2. Functional Startup Test
• Power on the unit and check for successful system boot
• Verify touchscreen or keypad response, and test all user-programmable settings
• Check door alarms and temperature/CO₂ alerts
3. Temperature Control and Uniformity Testing
• Use temperature probes to verify internal temperature accuracy
• Monitor temperature uniformity across multiple chamber zones
• Ensure fast recovery times after door openings
4. CO₂ Sensor Testing and Gas Delivery System Test
• Test accuracy of infrared (IR) or thermal conductivity (TC) CO₂ sensors using certified reference gas and probes/Fyrite analyzers
• Test inlet pressure regulators and gas flow control systems
• Confirm stable CO₂ levels at multiple setpoints (e.g., 5%, 10%)
• Check for proper mixing and diffusion throughout the chamber
5. Humidity and Contamination Control Testing
• Test humidity generation (via water pan or active system) and verify chamber RH levels
• Inspect HEPA filters (if equipped) and airflow systems for particulate control
• Sanitize interior and confirm antimicrobial coatings or copper components are intact
6. Electrical Safety and Compliance Check
• Ensure proper grounding and insulation of all electrical components
• Perform leak and continuity testing
• Verify the unit meets electrical safety standards for laboratory environments
7. Final Quality Assurance and Performance Validation
• Run a 24-hour performance cycle with monitored CO₂, temperature, and RH
• Document data and final readings
• Complete service report
All refurbished CO₂ incubators sold by American Instrument Exchange are tested to meet the performance demands of today's advanced laboratory workflows—ensuring safety, precision, and peace of mind with every unit.
Repair and Refurbishment Protocol for Used Laboratory Incubators Performance and Quality from American Instrument Exchange
At American Instrument Exchange, every used laboratory incubator we sell goes through a repair and refurbishment protocol. Whether it’s a standard, CO₂, or refrigerated incubator, our goal is to restore each unit to laboratory-level performance—ensuring temperature accuracy, environmental stability, and long-term reliability in your lab.
Why Choose a Refurbished Laboratory Incubator from American Instrument Exchange?
• Fully tested for performance and safety
• Backed by a warranty
• Cost-effective alternative to new equipment
• Environmentally sustainable through reuse and restoration
• Refurbished by expert technicians with decades of lab equipment experience
Step-by-Step Refurbishment Protocol
Every incubator at American Instrument Exchange follows this comprehensive, multi-stage process:
1. Initial Intake & Inspection
• Visual inspection for cosmetic wear, corrosion, dents, or broken components
• Mechanical assessment of door hinges, gaskets, seals, and chamber components
• Document any missing parts or issues requiring repair or replacement
2. Cleaning and Decontamination
• Thorough internal and external cleaning using non-abrasive solutions
• Decontamination/cleaning of surfaces to remove biological, chemical, or particulate residue
• Cleaning of removable parts (e.g., shelves, trays, etc.)
3. Mechanical and Electrical Repair
• Repair or replacement of worn mechanical components such as door latches, fans, hinges, and seals
• Evaluation and repair of control panels, switches, thermostats, and displays
• Inspection and testing of wiring, fuses, relays, and power supplies
4. Environmental Control System Assessment
• For CO₂ incubators: CO₂ sensors, regulators, and gas delivery systems are tested
• For refrigerated incubators: compressors, condensers, and cooling systems are evaluated for performance and leaks
• Fan motors and airflow systems are tested to ensure uniform environmental conditions
5. Temperature and Sensor Testing
• All temperature sensors and controllers are tested using thermometers/probes
• Uniformity and accuracy tested at multiple chamber locations
• For humidified or CO₂ incubators, humidity and CO₂ stability are verified
6. Safety System Testing
• Test of over-temperature protection systems and alarms
• Evaluation of door sensors, safety interlocks, and power failure recovery
7. Final Quality Control and Documentation
• Full performance test run over 24 hours
• Validation of setpoints for temperature, CO₂ (if applicable), and humidity (if applicable)
• Final inspection and cleaning before packaging
• Complete service report
Trust the Experts at American Instrument Exchange
With over 50 years in the lab equipment industry, American Instrument Exchange is a trusted source for high-quality refurbished laboratory incubators. Our proven refurbishment protocol ensures every unit is reliable, accurate, and ready to meet the demands of your lab from day one.
Warranty Information
All used equipment sold by American Instrument Exchange is refurbished/reconditioned, tested to meet specifications, cleaned, and comes with a 90-day warranty from the date of shipment unless otherwise specified. New products include a warranty from the manufacturer. Your warranty is only valid if you have paid your invoice. If your invoice is over 30 days old, warranty work will not be performed until your invoice is paid in full. American Instrument Exchange is not liable for any special or consequential damages that result from the use of, or the inability to use, the materials on this site or the performance of the products,
Exceptions include international sales and items that are agreed to be sold with a lesser warranty or items that are agreed to be sold “as is.”
Should there be visible shipping damage to packaging or concealed shipping damage to item(s) supplied, buyer must communicate such damage to the delivering entity or carrier upon receipt first and to American Instrument the same day item is accepted / signed for. Failure to do so voids warranty. Customer decision to involve / procure third party or OEM service other than American Instrument or AIE assigned vendors to resolve in-warranty instrument failure or defect without first placing a service call to American Instrument voids warranty.
Return & Cancellation Policy
American Instrument Exchange will authorize the return of and issue a full refund for any equipment that is not working as represented and could not be replaced or repaired to the customer’s satisfaction by AIE or a representative of AIE during the warranty period. Returns without prior authorization and an RMA number will not be accepted.
Customers are responsible for proper packaging of the equipment and all included accessories. American Instrument will pay for insurance and shipping costs. Non-inventory items bought specifically to fill customer orders may possibly be returned, but on a case by case basis.
Customers who cancel orders after refurbishing has begun or after delivery where there are no equipment performance issues may be subject to a Restocking/Cancellation Fee of 20% or more and responsible for shipping costs for both the delivery and return.
Ongoing and Extended Support Options
American Instrument Exchange is able to provide additional repair and support services outside the warranty terms for most products that sell.
For biosafety cabinets, clean benches, chemical fume hoods, and other clean air products our team at AIE Laboratory Services can provide certifications, repairs, decontaminations, and other services for customers throughout New England, and guidance and limited technical assistance for any customers in the US and Canada for new or refurbished biosafety cabinets purchased from American Instrument Exchange.
For all other products, the repair service team at American Instrument Exchange can provide both field and depot repair evaluations. We can easily schedule and coordinate the pick-up and transportation of your malfunctioning equipment. By offering hourly rates lower than most OEM service providers and eliminating travel time for technicians, we help reduce repair costs. Furthermore, our lab depot repair service minimizes or eliminates scheduling delays. Our experienced service technicians are qualified to restore your equipment to factory specifications.
Yes, all equipment from American Instrument Exchange comes with a warranty. Used/reconditioned/refurbished equipment is tested to make sure it operates to the manufacturer's specifications and comes with a 90-day warranty (unless otherwise noted). New equipment comes with a warranty from the manufacturer.
How do you test and recondition the equipment?
Testing requirements vary across all the equipment categories we sell. Temperature controlled units are tested with NIST traceable probes and data loggers. Gaskets, external housing, glass, handles, controls and control screens are all thoroughly inspected for integrity and functionality. We test all equipment using the manufacturer's parameters and specifications to confirm that the unit operates properly.
How do products ship from American Instrument Exchange?
We can ship products both nationally and internationally using a well-established network of transporters. Smaller items will ship via UPS. Larger equipment will be palletized and shipped either LTL or air-ride, depending on the specific equipment and/or delivery requirements.
Return and order cancellation policy
American Instrument Exchange will accept the return of any product that is not working as represented and could not be replaced or repaired to the customer's satisfaction during the warranty period. Customers who cancel orders after refurbishing has begun will be subject to a cancellation and restocking fee of between 20% and 40%.
Are discounts available for educational or non-profit institutions, or for bulk purchases?
Yes – call or email us today with a list of equipment you're looking for and we can potentially put together a quote that includes a discount.
How does your price matching policy work?
We strive to keep our pricing competitive and reasonable. If you find comparable items for sale at a lower price from other vendors please send us a link and or quote for the item and we'll do our best to match or beat the price.
Can I see the equipment in person before committing to a purchase?
Customers are welcome to make an appointment to view equipment in our warehouse. Given our workload we may not be able to test or clean the equipment prior to your arrival if you have not committed to an order.
1023 Western Avenue is a working warehouse, not a showroom, and customers should dress appropriately and wear closed toe shoes.
Can I ship products that I purchased elsewhere to American Instrument for repair?
Yes – please see our repair services page for more information.
