The LabRat: Fully Automated Induction Sterilizer Built for Agar Work

The LabRat is Rhizo Funga's enclosed induction sterilizer — designed specifically for agar work, liquid culture transfers, and any mycology workflow where contamination control and sterile technique matter. It sterilizes your scalpel blade in 7.5 seconds using electromagnetic induction: no flame, no button, no foot pedal. Place your tool inside the housing and the proximity sensor triggers the cycle automatically.

Professional Mycology Sterilizer

The LabRat Fully Automated Induction Scalpel Sterilizer for Mycology

Hands free induction sterilizer for mycology tools. No button. No foot pedal. Ships pre programmed to 7.5 seconds and is user adjustable.

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  • Scalpel being inserted into a Black Automatic Induction Sterilizer

    Fully automated cycle

    Place a ferrous metal instrument in LabRat and the timed cycle runs automatically. You do not hold a button or pedal.

  • Close-up of a sterile instrument resting inside a induction sterilizer on a white background

    Tool safe haven between uses

    Park the tool during parafilm, labeling, and transfers. Pick it up when needed and keep moving.

  • White automated Induction sterilizer with a white casing on a transparent background

    Enclosed and ergonomic

    Enclosed housing reduces exposure while the tool rests. 22.5 degree angled face and insert improves comfort during long sessions.
photo of an agar plate being dealed with parafilm with grain bags, an induction sterilizer and flowhood in the background

Built for the between plates moment


A typical agar session involves constant re sterilization and constant moments where you need both hands. You cut and transfer an agar wedge. Then you parafilm and label the plate. With LabRat you place the tool back into the sterilizer and keep working. When you reach for it again, it is sterilized and ready without you holding a trigger or searching for a place to set it down.

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Key Features

  • Digital display from an automated induction sterilizer for mycology with red LED numbers showing '07.5' on a dark background

    Sterilizes in 5 - 10 Seconds

    Ships pre programmed to 7.5 seconds, which is ideal for a common scalpel setup like a #11 blade on a #3 handle.

  • Black Automatic Sterilizer being reprogrammed to run a longer sterilization cycle.

    User adjustable timing

    Reprogram the time delay relay using the built in buttons to match tool mass and preference.

  • Close-up of an induction coil with blue and red hot scalpel with a white housing

    Ferrous tool detection

    Inductive proximity sensor detects ferrous metals within about 5 mm. This intentionally limits activation to instruments the induction coil can heat.

See full product specs and current pricing on the LabRat product page.

LabRat vs alternatives

  • Autoclave & UV Sterilizers

    Both are effective. They are not practical for continuous reuse of the same instrument during a working session. Autoclaves run in batches and take time. UV needs dwell time and line of sight and it does not solve the between plates workflow or tool parking between uses.

  • 70% Isopropyl Alcohol

    Alcohol helps with general sanitation but it is not a fast repeat cycle sterilization method for frequent tool reuse. Alcohol needs adequate contact time to be effective and the tool must fully dry before use. Wet alcohol adds handling steps and can disrupt sterile technique between plates.

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  • Manual Button & Pedal operated Induction Sterilizers

    Often requires you to hold the instrument and actively hold a button or foot pedal for the duration of the sterilization cycle. You still need to set the tool down to free your hands.

  • Glass Bead Sterilizers

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  • Infrared Sterilizers

    Effective, but typically require preheat and often do not store your tool between uses. Many run hot continuously, which can reduce lifespan over time. Infrared and bead options can also work on non ferrous materials like glass. Most mycology tools used for agar work are ferrous metal instruments.
Close-up of automated induction sterilizer for mycology electronic components with coils and circuit boards.

Made in USA

Designed and built in Whitefish Montana

Designed and manufactured by hand in Whitefish, Montana. Built in small batches with attention to fit and finish.

Close-up of 3d printed automated induction sterilizer components on a black background

Built to Last

Materials and assembly

Frames and housings are 3D printed using engineering filaments including ABS GF and PA6 CF which can withstand high temperatures and abuse. Assembly uses stainless steel fasteners and brass heat inserts.

side view of a Black automated induction sterilizer for mycology without housing showing the internal components and digital display on a white background

fixable

Modular and serviceable

Modular construction with replaceable components using a screwdriver and hex key. Solid state MOSFET based timing control.

Button label
Lab equipment with a five-star rating and review text, featuring a person's face in a smaller inset.

we stand by our products

Warranty and track record

One year warranty. Replace, repair, or ship parts based on your preference. Over 75 units sold across Shopify, Etsy, eBay, and TikTok Shop. Shopify uses Judge.me reviews and syncs Etsy reviews. All reviews to date are 5 star. Zero warranty claims so far.

Use and cleaning best practices

  • Use in front of a flow hood for best sterile workflow

  • To avoid inadvertently triggering a sterilization cycle when removing your instrument, lift the before you pull out. If a cycle is inadvertently triggered, just let the cycle run. It will not harm the sterilizer.

  • Limit Sterilization cycle time to only the time required to effectively sterilize your instrument, about 5-10 seconds depending on its size

  • Unplug when not in use

  • When your work is finished, you can store your instrument in the device. When you return, gently lift and set your instrument back down to resterilize the instrument before use

  • Unplug before cleaning

  • Wipe exterior with a cloth lightly dampened with 70 percent isopropyl alcohol

  • Do not spray liquid directly onto the unit

  • Ensure the unit is fully dry before plugging in and using again

Get the hands free workflow


If you do frequent sterile work, LabRat reduces friction between every plate and gives your tool a consistent safe place to rest between uses.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The LabRat is designed for standard mycology scalpels with ferrous (steel) blades. The enclosed slot accommodates most standard scalpel handle sizes. If you use larger handles, loop inoculators, or non-standard tool shapes, the FlatTop's open-top design may be a better fit. The key requirement is a ferrous (iron-containing) metal at the tool tip — the induction coil heats ferrous metal directly. Non-ferrous materials like aluminum or titanium will not heat.
The blade tip reaches sterilization temperature (800°C+) within the 7.5-second default cycle. The LabRat housing itself stays cool — the electromagnetic field heats only the ferrous metal of the tool, not the surrounding coil or housing. The exterior of the unit does not become dangerously hot during normal operation, but the blade tip and any metal portion inside the coil cavity will be extremely hot immediately after a cycle. Allow the blade to cool before contacting agar.
Yes. The LabRat ships pre-programmed to a 7.5-second sterilization cycle, which is the validated time for standard scalpel blades in the coil. Cycle duration is user-adjustable if your specific tool requires a different time. Instructions for adjusting the cycle are included with the unit.
No. This is the core design principle. The LabRat uses an inductive proximity sensor to detect when a tool is placed in the slot. The cycle begins automatically — no button, no foot pedal, no hand contact with the unit during the cycle. Hands-free operation from trigger through completion.
Yes. The LabRat is specifically designed for use inside laminar flow hoods. It produces no open flame, no combustion byproducts, and no heat convection. The unit operates on standard household current (110V, included power supply). There are no open heat sources or combustible elements. The only precaution is allowing the blade to cool before touching agar — the same precaution that applies to any sterilization method.
The LabRat is designed and manufactured by hand in Montana, USA.