Workflow-orientated incubation for live cell imaging

Designed with the complete workflow in mind, Olympus has launched its cellVivo incubation system, for precise and ergonomic environmental control of advanced live cell imaging. Following the modular approach of the IX3 range of inverted microscope frames cellVivo is based on a “one size fits all” concept, with adaptors for various IX73 and IX83 frame types, circumventing the need for multiple incubation systems for distinct microscope configurations.

For ease of use and flexibility, the incubator systems can be rapidly and simply assembled, modified and detached without the use of tools. Various “enclosure” types which act as the base incubator box, are available in a range of models, from a high-end light-shielded enclosure with incorporated safely laser-lock, to a more standard plain transparent enclosure. The intelligent light-shielded enclosures eliminate the need of a dedicated darkroom, with cell-friendly adjustable LED interior lighting and a non-reflective glass viewing window. Additional and easily attachable modules include temperature and gas controllers and stage inserts for multi-well plates and different sample types, enabling users to build their own systems.

Design has been centred on workflow ergonomics and uniquely, the incubator is easily accessible with one hand, allowing the user to simultaneously handle the incubator and their specimens. This enables swift movement of samples into and out of the incubation system, protecting them from prolonged exposure to the uncontrolled external environment.

Extended live cell imaging experiments have specific temperature, humidity, CO2 and O2 level requirements, and gas controllers and sensors offer fast and tight control for even the most sensitive of samples. To facilitate quick experimental set-up and repeatability, optional cellVivo software enables users to easily programme and save a set of predefined conditions for different sample types in user profiles. Un-checked changes in conditions can lead to a loss of sample integrity and/or focus, potentially ruining experiments. cellVivo software offers a unique ‘traffic light’ function to easily keep track of conditions, with red indicating unstable, yellow indicating viable, and green indicating stable microscopy conditions. The software has a web interface enabling “anytime, anywhere” monitoring, while automatically recording experimental data with the option of email alerts in the event of problematic conditions developing.

These features ensure easy environment management of the entire live cell imaging workflow from experimental set-up through to sample handling, condition monitoring and control.