GasPaktiloja

GasPaktiloja is a term used to describe sealed rooms or cabinets designed to maintain controlled gas atmospheres using GasPak technology, primarily for microbiology and related fields. The Finnish term combines GasPak with tiloja, meaning rooms or spaces, and it is used to refer to compact anaerobic environments that do not require a full anaerobic chamber.

In operation, a GasPaktila consists of a sealed enclosure with a gas-generating kit (GasPak sachets) that produce a gas mixture and remove residual oxygen, often via a palladium catalyst. The environment becomes an anaerobic or microaerophilic atmosphere within a short period, depending on the size and configuration. Humidity indicators or oxygen sensors may be used to verify conditions.

Applications include cultivation of obligate anaerobes, fermentation studies, and other microbiology experiments where oxygen-free conditions are necessary. They offer a more compact and cost-effective alternative to larger anaerobic chambers for small-scale or teaching laboratories.

Variants range from small jar systems to larger cabinet units. They are straightforward to operate but are limited by volume, the need for regular supply replenishment of the sachets, and safety considerations related to hydrogen gas generation and sealed enclosure. They are not suitable for all organisms or long-term cultures.

See also: anaerobic jar, GasPak, anaerobic chamber, microbiology equipment.