Inkubeerimine

Inkubeerimine is the process of maintaining biological samples under controlled environmental conditions to promote growth, replication, or maturation of cells, tissues, cultures, or microorganisms. It is a standard step in biological research, diagnostics, and production.

In microbiology, inkubeerimine is used to culture bacteria and fungi on solid or liquid media to study colony morphology, antibiotic response, or metabolic activity. In cell biology and tissue engineering, it supports the growth of mammalian or plant cells under defined temperature, humidity, and gas conditions. It also underpins diagnostic workflows and the production of biological products.

Methods and equipment typically involve specialized incubators that regulate temperature, humidity, and sometimes carbon dioxide or oxygen levels. Conditions vary by organism: bacteria and many fungi often require aerobic conditions at roughly 25–37°C; mammalian cells usually need about 37°C with 5% CO2 and controlled humidity; anaerobes require oxygen-free environments. Sterile technique, aseptic transfer, and routine monitoring are essential. Growth is assessed by colony appearance, optical density, or cell viability.

Safety and regulation considerations apply to incubation work, particularly when handling pathogenic organisms or human-derived materials. Appropriate containment, waste disposal, and training are required according to local biosafety regulations and institutional policies.

Etymology and related terms: The word derives from Latin incubare, meaning to lie upon or hatch. In Estonian, inkubeerimine describes the controlled growth phase, with related concepts including incubator, incubation period, and cell culture.