Still Air Box vs. Laminar Flow Hood: Which One Do You Need?

For many beginner mycologists, a Still Air Box (SAB) is more than enough. A SAB works on the principle that particles that encounter still air lose velocity quickly and fall straight downwards. This prevents non-sterile turbulent air from entering the work area and contaminating your mushroom project. Pre-sterilize the inside of your SAB by spraying it down with 70% isopropyl alcohol before using it.

What is a Still Air Box?

A Still Air Box (SAB) is a small, plastic enclosure that allows users to work with fungi cultures in a controlled environment. The key to a SAB’s effectiveness is the fact that it has minimal air movement, thus preventing airborne contaminants from contaminating the materials being worked with. This is an essential tool for anyone interested in mycology, the scientific study of mushrooms, as precise environmental control is critical in this domain.

A diy still airbox can be made for as little as $40, using equipment that is typically already owned by mushroom cultivators. These boxes are a great alternative to a laminar flow hood for beginners and experienced growers alike who are looking to save money or simply do not have access to a LFH.

Unlike an LFH, which requires special construction to provide a safe working area, a SAB can be built in about 20 minutes using equipment that is usually already in the grower’s possession. For those who are not interested in making their own, there are pre-made models that can be purchased for a slight premium.

SABs are used to perform a variety of tasks, including pouring and sealing agar plates, transferring mycelium from one plate to another, inoculating grain spawn with liquid culture, and many more. By containing spores, viruses, and bacteria in a semi-sterile environment, they increase the grower’s chances of success while also raising the overall quality of the final product.

As an added benefit, most SABs are raised on a wire rack, which helps to minimize contamination risks by allowing the user to work at a comfortable height. It is recommended that before and after each use, the inside of the box is wiped down with a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution to ensure proper sanitation.

Compared to a SAB, a laminar flow hood offers a micro-filtered clean environment that is ideal for any work related to mycology, including agar plates, spore syringes, and spore prints. However, the directional airflow in an LFH can cause contaminants to be blown towards the operator, which can be uncomfortable or hazardous for some people. Additionally, larger or bulky equipment can block the flow of air, causing samples to become contaminated by other materials within the hood.

What is a Laminar Flow Hood?

Laminar air flow is a term used to describe an environment that moves at a consistent speed and direction. The concept is important to laboratory equipment because it eliminates turbulence that could otherwise disrupt the flow of clean air and prevents cross-contamination of materials. Laminar flow is achieved in many different types of lab equipment and environments, including fume hoods and biological safety cabinets.

In order to produce laminar flow, a fan is used to push filtered air downward over the work area. This filtered air sweeps away any particles that may have reached the surface of your product or material, resulting in a cleaner workspace. This type of environment is also often found in cleanrooms, which are ultra-clean environments that meet certain stringent standards to ensure the safety and quality of pharmaceutical products, microchips, and other valuable materials.

Unlike the Still Air Box, a LFH features an entire fan system that creates a continuous stream of clean air that passes over the work surface. The filtered air then passes through a series of filters, which removes any contaminants that have reached the surface of your product or materials. The clean air is then continuously blown down over the surface of your product, providing a sterile work environment.

There are two primary types of laminar flow hoods: horizontal and vertical. Horizontal flow hoods feature HEPA/ULPA filters on the back wall that direct positive pressure streams of filtered air over the working zone, parallel to the working surface. This type of hood also has perforations on the back wall that allow the air to exhaust, which reduces work surface turbulence.

Vertical laminar flow hoods have HEPA/ULPA filters on the ceiling that direct positive pressure streams of filtered air toward the working zone. This type of hood is usually taller than a horizontal laminar flow hood, which allows it to accommodate larger materials and products. Some laminar flow hoods are equipped with perforations that allow the air to exhaust through the front of the cabinet, which helps reduce turbulence on the working surface.

While the Still Air Box is a great option for beginners that need a cheap and easy way to conduct sterile mushroom cultivation lab work, it is not recommended as a replacement for a LFH or other professional-grade hygienic equipment. The LFH is more expensive than the Still Air Box, but it saves you time and greatly increases your success rate. It is also safer to use than the Still Air Box when dealing with flammable materials or heat-generating appliances.

Which One Do You Need?

For a beginner cultivator, a Still Air Box is essential. These simple but ingenious devices make it possible to conduct sensitive mushroom cultivation tasks without exposing cultures to the fungus spores and debris that are ubiquitous in the world around us. This can drastically reduce the risk of contamination, which can ruin a grow.

Until recently, the only way to avoid contamination was by using a glovebox or a laminar flow hood, both of which are costly pieces of equipment that require specialized knowledge and training to use properly. The advent of the SAB revolutionized mushroom cultivation by making it accessible to a wider audience of home and hobby mycologists.

The SAB can be made in less than 20 minutes for less than $20, with the use of tools most people already possess. When used in conjunction with automated environmental controls, an SAB is the perfect tool for minimizing contamination risks during mushroom growing.

A SAB should be located in a clean room where there are no other activities taking place. It should also be kept on a stable surface to minimize vibrations that can disperse spores or contaminate sterile substrates. The SAB should have a lid that is well-fitting and has a hinge for easy access. It should also be sanitized before and after each use with a spray bottle of 70% isopropyl alcohol.

Some SAB manufacturers offer accessories like a desk lamp or ports for introducing sterilized air, but these aren’t necessary for basic operation. Just ensure you have a clear plastic tub with arm holes that are the same size as your arms, a utility knife or saw for cutting the arm holes, and duct tape or adhesive for sealing the openings.

For more advanced mushroom growers, a SAB can be paired with a flow hood for specific tasks like spore syringe preparation or grain spawn inoculation. This can significantly reduce contamination risks and allow you to focus on cultivating more of your favorite varieties.

Which One Should I Buy?

In many cases, it’s best to get a flow hood. It’s more convenient, easier to use, and has a few extra features that can make your life a lot simpler. However, for beginner mycologists, a simple Still Air Box is more than enough to help them get started and learn good technique.

A Still Air Box (SAB) is a plastic box with holes for your arms. The air is contained within, and it stops any contaminants from floating around and landing on your work. This is important, as contamination is one of the biggest factors that can destroy a mushroom cultivation.

Mushroom growing is very delicate and susceptible to contamination. Even a small amount of contamination can ruin your entire grow. It’s easy to avoid this, though, with a few precautions. First and foremost, always wear clean gloves when handling your cultures. It’s also a good idea to wipe down all of your materials and tools with 70% isopropyl alcohol before working with them.

Having the right tools and equipment can also help prevent contamination. A flow hood is one of the most effective tools for creating sterile-grade conditions during cell culture, micropropagation, and more. They’re available in a range of sizes to suit various applications, and they feature a high-efficiency HEPA or ULPA filter for maximum particle capture. This filter also protects sensitive environments from harsh chemicals, thermal sterilization, and UV radiation.

A good-quality flow hood should be lightweight and have handles for ease of movement. It should also be durable and easy to clean. A gasketed lid will provide a tight seal to minimize the risk of contamination and spills. Some models even include built-in LED lighting and ports for introducing sterilized air, although these features are not necessary for basic functions. Shop Terra Universal’s selection of flow hoods online and browse configurations, add-ons, and accessories to create the perfect sterile processing solution for your environment. If you have questions or need assistance, contact a sales specialist via phone, email, or webchat.