What is the term for a device that creates a barrier between germ-free animals and the outside environment?

An isolator is a specialized device designed to create a sterile environment for germ-free animals, preventing any contamination from pathogens present in the outside environment. The isolator achieves this by using air filtration systems, controlled airflow, and often features such as glove ports for personnel to interact with the animals without direct contact. This barrier is critical for research involving immune-compromised animals or studies where the introduction of contaminants could jeopardize experimental outcomes.

In contrast, an incubator is primarily used to provide the optimal temperature and humidity conditions for developing embryos or cultures, rather than to protect animals from pathogens. A quarantine chamber is used for temporarily housing animals that may be carrying infectious agents to observe them for any signs of illness before introducing them to a general population, but it does not provide the same level of sterility as an isolator. A containment box may refer to a simple enclosure designed for transport or temporary housing, but it does not offer the specific controlled sterile conditions that are characteristic of an isolator designed for germ-free environments.