PHCbi Cell-IQ Series Tri-gas Cell Culture Incubator

Brand : PHCbi

Product Code : SKU 3197QQ INC

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PHCbi Cell-IQ Series Tri-Gas Cell Culture Incubator (MCO-170MP-PA)

Advanced cell culture increasingly relies on recreating the physiological conditions cells experience inside the human body rather than simply maintaining a constant temperature and carbon dioxide concentration. The PHCbi Cell-IQ Series Tri-Gas Cell Culture Incubator (MCO-170MP-PA) was developed for researchers requiring precise control of oxygen, carbon dioxide, temperature, and humidity to support stem cell research, regenerative medicine, cancer biology, and other demanding applications. Featuring a 5.7 cubic foot (161-liter) chamber, programmable oxygen control, PHCbi's proprietary Dual IR CO₂ sensor, and a solid zirconia oxygen sensor, the Cell-IQ Series provides exceptional environmental stability while allowing researchers to reproduce physiologically relevant oxygen concentrations for improved experimental reproducibility.

The MCO-170MP-PA also places a strong emphasis on contamination prevention. Its exclusive InCu-saFe copper-enriched stainless steel interior combines the corrosion resistance of stainless steel with the passive antimicrobial properties of copper, while the optional hydrogen peroxide vapor (H₂O₂) decontamination system can sanitize the chamber in less than three hours. Combined with the SafeCell UV system, direct heat and air-jacket heating, touchscreen controls, and onboard data logging, the Cell-IQ Series is designed to minimize downtime while maintaining an exceptionally stable environment for sensitive cell cultures. Purchasing a refurbished PHCbi Cell-IQ Series Tri-Gas Incubator from American Instrument Exchange provides laboratories with one of PHCbi's most advanced incubation platforms at substantial savings compared with purchasing new equipment.

Key Features

Approximately 5.7 cu. ft. (161 L) chamber capacity
Tri-gas operation (CO₂ / O₂ / N₂)
Oxygen control from 1–18% and 22–80%
CO₂ control from 0–20%
Direct Heat & Air Jacket heating system
Proprietary Dual IR CO₂ sensor
Solid zirconia oxygen sensor
InCu-saFe copper-enriched stainless steel chamber
SafeCell UV contamination control
Optional hydrogen peroxide vapor decontamination
Color LCD touchscreen interface
USB data logging capability
Heated inner glass doors
Adjustable copper-enriched shelves
90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange

Designed for Physiological Oxygen Cell Culture

The defining advantage of the PHCbi Cell-IQ Series is its ability to maintain precise oxygen concentrations that closely resemble those found within living tissues. Most conventional CO₂ incubators operate only under atmospheric oxygen conditions of approximately 21%, while many mammalian tissues naturally exist at oxygen levels between 1% and 8%. By accurately regulating oxygen with its solid zirconia sensor, the Cell-IQ Series enables researchers to culture cells under physiologically relevant conditions that may improve cell viability, reduce oxidative stress, and produce more representative experimental results.

The incubator's 161-liter chamber accommodates tissue culture flasks, multiwell plates, culture dishes, spinner flasks, and other standard laboratory vessels. Adjustable shelving allows researchers to configure the chamber for changing workflows while maximizing available incubation capacity for routine and advanced cell culture applications.

Common Applications

The PHCbi Cell-IQ Series Tri-Gas Incubator is commonly used for:

Stem cell research
Regenerative medicine
Hypoxia research
Cancer biology
Tumor microenvironment studies
Primary mammalian cell culture
Cell therapy development
Embryology and IVF research
Gene and cell therapy research
Pharmaceutical development
Biotechnology research
Tissue engineering
Long-term culture of oxygen-sensitive cell lines

Its precise oxygen regulation makes the Cell-IQ Series particularly valuable for laboratories seeking to reproduce in vivo cellular environments that cannot be achieved with traditional CO₂ incubators.

Ideal Laboratory Environments

The PHCbi Cell-IQ Series is well suited for biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, academic research laboratories, hospital research centers, regenerative medicine programs, IVF laboratories, and contract research organizations performing advanced mammalian cell culture.

Its combination of physiologic oxygen control, sophisticated contamination prevention, and intuitive touchscreen operation also makes it an excellent choice for shared core laboratories where multiple investigators require highly reproducible incubation conditions.

Temperature Recovery and Environmental Stability

The Cell-IQ Series utilizes PHCbi's Direct Heat & Air Jacket System, providing rapid environmental recovery while maintaining excellent temperature uniformity throughout the chamber. Proprietary Dual IR CO₂ sensing allows carbon dioxide concentrations to recover quickly following door openings without overshoot, while the stabilized zirconia oxygen sensor delivers highly accurate oxygen regulation across both hypoxic and elevated oxygen ranges. Together, these systems create a stable incubation environment that supports long-term experiments requiring tightly controlled atmospheric conditions.

Operating temperatures from ambient +5°C to 50°C, combined with programmable oxygen and carbon dioxide control, allow researchers to tailor environmental conditions to a wide range of specialized protocols while maintaining excellent repeatability from experiment to experiment.

Advanced Contamination Control

The PHCbi Cell-IQ Series employs multiple complementary contamination-control technologies designed to protect valuable cultures throughout extended incubation periods. The InCu-saFe copper-enriched stainless steel interior provides passive antimicrobial protection while retaining the durability and corrosion resistance of stainless steel. The integrated SafeCell UV system continuously disinfects circulated chamber air and the humidity reservoir without exposing cultures directly to ultraviolet light. For laboratories requiring more comprehensive chamber sanitation, the optional hydrogen peroxide vapor decontamination system can complete a full chamber decontamination cycle in less than three hours, minimizing downtime between research projects. Together, these technologies provide one of the industry's most comprehensive contamination-control strategies for advanced tri-gas cell culture.

Sample Storage Recommendations

With approximately 5.7 cubic feet (161 liters) of usable chamber capacity, the PHCbi Cell-IQ Series Tri-Gas Incubator provides ample space for both routine and specialized cell culture applications. The chamber accommodates T-flasks, culture dishes, multiwell plates, spinner flasks, roller bottles, cell culture bags, embryo culture vessels, and other commonly used laboratory containers while maintaining tightly controlled oxygen, carbon dioxide, temperature, and humidity conditions.

The adjustable InCu-saFe® shelves allow researchers to configure the chamber for varying vessel sizes while maximizing available incubation space. To promote optimal environmental uniformity, culture vessels should be distributed evenly throughout the chamber with sufficient clearance around each container to allow unrestricted airflow. Proper organization supports consistent gas distribution and rapid environmental recovery after routine door openings.

For laboratories performing hypoxia studies or maintaining multiple sensitive cell lines, dedicating individual shelves to specific projects or oxygen conditions can simplify workflow while reducing unnecessary chamber access. Minimizing door openings helps preserve stable environmental conditions and contributes to highly reproducible experimental results.

Energy Efficiency and Operating Costs

The PHCbi Cell-IQ Series was engineered to provide precise environmental control while minimizing operating costs associated with long-term cell culture. Its Direct Heat & Air Jacket System rapidly restores programmed environmental conditions following routine door openings, reducing recovery time without the added weight or maintenance associated with traditional water-jacketed incubators.

The incubator's advanced sensor package—including the proprietary Dual IR CO₂ sensor and solid zirconia oxygen sensor—provides highly stable atmospheric regulation with minimal calibration requirements. These durable sensor technologies are designed for long service life while maintaining excellent measurement accuracy throughout routine laboratory operation.

Routine maintenance is further simplified by the InCu-saFe® copper-enriched stainless steel chamber, integrated SafeCell UV contamination control, and optional hydrogen peroxide vapor decontamination system. Together, these features help reduce contamination events, shorten cleaning procedures, and maximize productive laboratory uptime.

Key Specifications

Specification	Details
Manufacturer	PHCbi
Model	Cell-IQ Series MCO-170MP-PA
Incubator Type	Tri-Gas CO₂/O₂ Cell Culture Incubator
Chamber Capacity	Approximately 161 L (5.7 cu. ft.)
Temperature Range	Ambient +5°C to 50°C
Temperature Control	Direct Heat & Air Jacket
CO₂ Range	0% to 20%
CO₂ Sensor	Dual Infrared (Dual IR)
O₂ Control Range	1%–18% and 22%–80%
O₂ Sensor	Solid Zirconia
Chamber Material	InCu-saFe® Copper-Enriched Stainless Steel
Contamination Control	SafeCell UV System
Optional Decontamination	Hydrogen Peroxide Vapor (H₂O₂)
Interior Doors	Heated Inner Glass Doors
Display	Color LCD Touchscreen
Data Logging	USB Export Capability
Interior Dimensions	Approximately 24.4" W × 20.7" D × 20.4" H
Exterior Dimensions	Approximately 28.7" W × 30.3" D × 35.6" H
Electrical Requirements	115 V
Approximate Weight	Approximately 220 lb

Specifications are believed to be accurate but may vary depending on factory-installed options. Please verify all specifications prior to purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a tri-gas incubator?

A tri-gas incubator independently controls temperature, carbon dioxide, and oxygen concentrations, allowing researchers to create physiologically relevant environments for advanced cell culture. This capability is especially important for hypoxia research, stem cell studies, regenerative medicine, and cancer biology.

Why is oxygen control important?

Most tissues in the human body exist at oxygen concentrations well below atmospheric levels. By regulating oxygen independently, the Cell-IQ Series allows researchers to recreate these physiologic conditions, helping improve the relevance and reproducibility of many in vitro experiments.

What is the advantage of PHCbi's Dual IR CO₂ sensor?

The Dual IR sensor continuously measures carbon dioxide concentrations with excellent accuracy while remaining largely unaffected by chamber humidity. This provides stable environmental control during long-term culture experiments and reduces the need for frequent recalibration.

What is InCu-saFe® construction?

InCu-saFe is PHCbi's proprietary copper-enriched stainless steel chamber material. It combines the corrosion resistance of stainless steel with the natural antimicrobial properties of copper, helping reduce microbial growth on interior chamber surfaces while maintaining long-term durability.

How does the SafeCell UV system work?

The SafeCell UV system continuously disinfects the circulating air and humidity reservoir using ultraviolet light that is isolated from the cell culture chamber. This provides ongoing contamination control without exposing cultured cells directly to UV radiation.

What is the purpose of the hydrogen peroxide decontamination system?

On equipped models, the automated hydrogen peroxide vapor system rapidly sanitizes the chamber interior in less than three hours. This allows laboratories to perform complete chamber decontamination with minimal downtime between research projects.

What types of research is the PHCbi Cell-IQ Series best suited for?

The incubator is commonly used for stem cell research, regenerative medicine, hypoxia studies, cancer biology, embryology, IVF, tissue engineering, gene and cell therapy research, pharmaceutical development, biotechnology, and other advanced mammalian cell culture applications requiring precise oxygen regulation.

Why purchase a refurbished PHCbi Cell-IQ Series Tri-Gas Incubator from American Instrument Exchange?

Purchasing a refurbished PHCbi Cell-IQ Series Tri-Gas Incubator from American Instrument Exchange provides laboratories with one of PHCbi's most advanced incubation platforms at substantial savings compared with purchasing new equipment. Combining precise tri-gas environmental control, Dual IR CO₂ sensing, solid zirconia oxygen monitoring, InCu-saFe antimicrobial construction, and advanced contamination-control technologies, the Cell-IQ Series is engineered to support demanding research while delivering dependable long-term performance. Every incubator is inspected and tested prior to shipment and includes a 90-day warranty for added confidence.

CLICK HERE to see the PHCbi Cell-IQ Series tri-gas cell culture incubator on our YouTube channel

Testing Procedures for Used and Refurbished Laboratory Incubators
Ensure Quality and Stability Before Use

Used and refurbished laboratory incubators from American Instrument Exchange are thoroughly tested to ensure optimal performance and temperature stability with laboratory safety standards. Each unit undergoes a detailed inspection and functionality assessment to meet the needs of research, clinical, and industrial labs.

Why Testing Used Laboratory Incubators Is Essential

Before a laboratory incubator is reintroduced into any work environment, it must be tested for:
• Temperature uniformity and accuracy
• Airflow and humidity control (if applicable)
• Door seal integrity and insulation effectiveness
• Electrical and safety system compliance

Comprehensive testing reduces the risk of culture loss, contamination, and equipment failure—especially critical in applications involving cell culture, microbiology, pharmaceutical research, and diagnostics.

Our multi-point testing protocol for used and refurbished incubators ensures reliability, safety, and performance across all models and brands.

Key Testing Procedures for Refurbished and Used Laboratory Incubators

1. Initial Visual Inspection
• Check for cosmetic damage, corrosion, and wear to exterior surfaces, door hinges, and gasket seals
• Inspect power cord, wiring, and display panel for any defects or signs of tampering
• Confirm that shelves, chamber components, and internal fixtures are present and undamaged

2. Functional Testing
• Power on the incubator and verify all display indicators and alarms function correctly
• Test door latch and seal mechanisms for proper closure and insulation
• Run basic temperature cycles to ensure the unit maintains stability over time

3. Temperature Accuracy and Uniformity Tests
• Test internal sensors and controllers using temperature probes
• Measure temperature consistency at multiple chamber locations over several hours
• Confirm that programmable temperature settings respond accurately

4. Airflow and Humidity Control (if applicable)
• Test internal fan operation and airflow distribution
• For humidified incubators, inspect and test humidity reservoirs, sensors, and control systems
• Check for condensation buildup and confirm environmental stability

5. Electrical Safety and Compliance Checks
• Ensure all electrical components are properly grounded
• Perform insulation resistance and leakage current tests
• Verify compliance with current electrical safety standards for laboratory equipment

6. Final Quality Assurance Checklist
• Perform full cycle testing at various temperature setpoints
• Document performance benchmarks and results

All refurbished incubators from American Instrument Exchange are backed by our commitment to quality and precision. With our strict testing procedures, you can rely on your incubator to deliver dependable results from day one.

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.

Please contact our team at info@americaninstrument.com for more details.

FAQ

Does the equipment come with a warranty?

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.