LAMINAR AIR FLOW

Presented by
Preethi p r
D3 Biotechnology
 PRINCIPLE
Laminar air flow can produce dust free air currents with

uniform velocity along parallel flow lines which helps in

transferring the culture media bacteria free.

The required materials are to be placed before operation of

laminar air flow.

The working surface area should be sterilized by 70% ethanol

and UV radiations for 30 minutes.

Laminar flow cabinets come in many sizes ,capacities

appropriate for different types of cell culture.

It consist of a large air-pumping motor, pumping air

through a HEPA filter onto a surface of the cabinet.

HEPA filters are designed to remove particles.

Laminar flow cabinets are normally made of stainless

steel
 WORKING
Laminar Air Flow cabinet work by the use of in flow laminar
air drawn through one or more HEPA filters, designed to create
a particle free working environment
Air is taken through a filtration system and then exhausted
across the work surfaces.
Commonly , the filtration system comprises of a pre-filter and
a HEPA filter.
 In the air flow cabinet , air is forced into a cabinet through a
Bacterial HEPA.
It flows outwards over the working bench at a uniform rate. The
Constant air flow prevents particles from settling on the bench
The roof of some of the cabinet houses an UV germicidal light
Often used to sterilize the interior of the chamber.
These are turned on about 30 min prior to using the chamber but
Must be turned off during operations.
Even so before starting the work, it is desirable to swab down
The inside of cabinet and especially the table top with 70% alcohol
HEPA FILTERS
HEPA filters are composed of a mat of randomly arranged
fibres. [4]The fibres are typically composed of fiberglass and
possess diameters between 0.5 and 2.0 micrometers.

HEPA filters are designed to target much smaller

pollutants and particles.
 TYPES
Laminar flow cabinets can be produced as both horizontal
and vertical cabinets.

i. HORIZONTAL: It receive their name due to the direction

of air flow which comes from above but then changes
direction and is processed across the work in a horizontal
direction.
ii. VERTICAL: Function equally well as horizontal laminar
flow cabinets with the air directed vertically downwards
onto the working area. It can provide greater operator
protection.
HOW TO USE A LAMINAR AIR FLOW

Turn on the blower and wipe out the sterile area with
an alcohol soaked piece of kitchen paper.

Let the blower run continuously for 30 minutes.

When this time has passed repeat the wipe out of
the sterile area with an alcohol soaked piece of
kitchen paper.
USES OF LAF

In the laboratory , laminar air flow cabinets are commonly used for
specialized work.

Laminar flow cabinets can be made to specific requirements of the

laboratory and are also ideal for general lab work,especially in the
medical, electronic and pharmaseutical industries.
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES

enough space in the more expensive

sterile area the laminar flow hood
plant material can
needs more space
stay for longer time
in the sterile area
because it does not
become hot
its easier to use
bigger flasks with
wide lids