An Arduino-based, low-cost imaging incubator for extended live cell imaging

TL;DR

This paper presents a low-cost, Arduino-based imaging incubator that maintains physiological conditions for live cell imaging over extended periods, enabling real-time observation of cellular responses with minimal cost.

Contribution

The authors developed and validated a low-cost, DIY imaging incubator using common maker components for prolonged live cell imaging.

Findings

Cells remained viable over 24 hours in the incubator

The system effectively maintained temperature and CO2 levels

Real-time imaging of cellular responses was achieved

Abstract

In order to image live cells for prolonged periods of time, an Arduino-based, low-cost imaging incubator was constructed. The imaging incubator keeps cells viable by controlling for temperature and CO2 in order to maintain physiological conditions for cells during imaging. All devices and parts employed in the build were typical maker-type components in order to minimize the cost of the imaging incubator. The imaging incubator allows for real-time imaging of live cells exposed to any desired perturbation or stimulus. As a proof of the system's functionality, cells are imaged over 24 hours while remaining viable in the imaging incubator.