Imperial College London orders 2 specialist SGC110 Insect Chambers

Imperial College London have recently ordered 2 specialist SGC110 Insect Chambers. These will be used to rear mosquitoes to carry out research into their molecular cell biology. The primary objective of the research is to understand the molecular organisation of mosquito life-cycle stages, with a view to developing intervention strategies to prevent the spread of malaria.

Based within the Immunology & Infection section of the Division of Cell & Molecular Biology, the research group is currently located in the new Sir Alexander Fleming Building which has unique facilities specifically designed for malarial work, including a suite of insectories, P3 facilities for both blood and vector borne pathogen transmission, a cell analytical suite with Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope (CLSM), cell sorter and Facscan facilities and full supporting laboratories.

The Imperial College set very specific criteria for the chambers to meet, including extremely accurate control of temperature (18+°C) and humidity (80%RH).

The chambers contain five lit shelves, and it was also defined that the lighting control was of great importance. This was to ensure that there was minimal shock to the specimens when the lights came on, so the rise and dwell of the lighting needed to be precisely controlled, gradually lighting and dimming the chamber.

The SGC 110 Insect Incubation Chamber provides a solution to Entomologist's needs to study and store insects within a controllable environment. The SGC 110 features optional banks of 'insect friendly' High Frequency lighting which minimises the effects of stroboscopic stress on insects and optional carbon filter in the airflow to control odour emissions, with both features developed specifically for the insect application.