In vivo-like Cell Culture Conditions

For most cell types, it is necessary to work with incubator conditions directly on the microscope. ibidi’s product line of Heating & Incubation Systems allows for control of temperature, CO₂ concentration and relative humidity of live cell samples on the microscope.

Temperature Stability

The metabolism of cells is influenced by temperature. Therefore, observed parameters like prolifera­tion, adhesion, protein expression, and others will be temperature-dependent. Results observed at different temperatures are not considered to be comparable findings.

ibidi’s product line of Heating & Incubation Systems provides a stable temperature in the incubation unit on the microscope. Temperature stability is not only important for cell culture conditions, but also very important in maintaining focus stability. The ibidi Heating Systems control temperature in an analog manner with a permanent, smooth regulation.

CO₂ Concentration

The CO₂ concentration in human exhaled air is 4 % to 5 %, which indicates that the CO₂ dissolved in the blood is in equilibrium with air containing this CO₂ concentration. Bicarbonate buffered culture media are normally designed to exhibit a pH of 7.4, at a CO₂ concentration of 5 % in ambient air.

When using bicarbonate buffered media, the CO₂ concentration in the ambient air of 5% is a com­mon standard in cell cultures. For these (and hypoxia) conditions, a variety of gas mixers will upgrade the ibidi Heating System to a complete stage top incubator.

Humidity and Evaporation

Salt and protein concentrations are crucial to natural and reproducible cell behavior. Evaporation increases the concentrations of substances in cell cultures in an undefined way, especially in low-volume cultures.

To minimize evaporation, the relative humidity of ambient air should be controlled to nearly 100%. The average values reached in cell culture incubators are between 80 - 95%. All ibidi Gas Incubation Systems provide active feed­back-controlled humidity regulation.

The design of the μ-Slides and μ-Dishes is optimized for low evaporation. For long-term studies, evaporation can additionally be reduced through the use of silicone oil, e.g., ibidi’s Anti-Evaporation Oil. It is overlaid onto the culture medium, and thus decreases evaporation. Silicone oil is highly gas permeable with O₂ and CO₂ but it blocks humidity loss very effectively. It is non-toxic and has been tested for biocompatibility with different cell types, including HT-1080, MDCK, NIH3T3, and HUVEC.