In the field of scientific research, innovation is key to finding new discoveries and gaining the knowledge needed to Forge Forward. One innovation in particular that has revolutionized the field is the use of dry ice. Dry ice, the solid form of CO2, offers unique properties that make it a valuable tool in various scientific practices. At nexAir, our team deals with dry ice every single day, and with that being said, we have picked up quite a bit of KnowHow along the way. Keep reading as we will discuss the diverse applications of dry ice and its role in cutting-edge research. 

 

What is dry ice? 

As mentioned, dry ice is simply the solid form of CO2, forming when carbon dioxide gas is subjected to extremely low temperatures, causing it to solidify without going through a liquid phase. When it is exposed to warmer temperatures, instead of melting into a liquid, it sublimates directly into a gas. This process releases cold temperatures, making dry ice a great cooling agent. 

 

Cryogenic Preservation

One of the main uses of dry ice in scientific research is with cryogenic preservation. The low temperatures of dry ice make it an ideal partner for preserving biological samples, such as cells, tissues and in some cases, whole organisms. Researchers can store these samples in dry ice to help maintain their viability and integrity over longer periods of time. Using dry ice for cryogenic preservation has proven to be valuable in fields like regenerative medicine, genetics and biodiversity conservation. 

 

Transportation of Materials

Dry ice’s ability to maintain low temperatures without creating a liquid phase makes it an awesome choice for transporting temperature-sensitive materials. From vaccines to lab reagents and biological samples, dry ice provides a reliable and efficient solution. Its sublimation process ensures a constant cooling environment during transit, helping to minimize the risk of temperature fluctuations that could compromise the quality of the materials. This makes dry ice a great resource in the movement of valuable samples and critical supplies between research facilities and laboratories. 

 

Environmental Chambers and Testing

Dry ice’s extremely low temperatures are used in environmental chambers for testing and simulating specific conditions. These chambers create controlled environments that mimic everything from extreme cold to space-like conditions. By using dry ice, researchers can achieve and maintain the desired temperature range within the chamber. This ability allows for the study of various phenomena, like material behavior, product testing and the effects of extreme temperature conditions on biological samples. 

 

It comes as no surprise that dry ice has become a game changer in the field of scientific research. Its unique properties have helped open up new avenues of exploration across many practices. At nexAir, we are pleased to be a part of this scientific movement by providing customers in the industry with reliable supplies of the highest quality dry ice. If you are interested in learning more or are ready to get started with your own steady supply, please feel free to reach out today!