A low-cost stage-top incubation device for live human cell imaging using rapid prototyping methods

Live imaging of human or other mammalian cells at multi-hour time scales with minimal perturbation to their growth state requires that the specimen's optimal growth conditions are met while fixed to a microscope stage. In general, the ideal conditions include culturing in complete growth media, an ambient temperature of 36–37 °C, and a humidity-controlled atmosphere typically comprised of 5–7% CO2. Commercially available devices that achieve these conditions are not a financially viable option for many labs, with the price ranging anywhere from $12,000 to $40,000. The advent of 3D printing technologies have allowed for low-cost rapid prototyping with precision comparable to traditional fabrication methods, thus opening the possibility for the in-lab design and production of otherwise prohibitively expensive equipment such as stage-top incubation devices. Additionally, the continued usefulness and widespread availability of single-board computers (SBC) such as Arduino and Raspberry Pi simplify the process by which these devices can be controlled. Here, we report the production of a do-it-yourself (DIY) device for stage-top incubation with temperature and atmospheric control with a cost reduction of approximately 100x.