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ThermoCyte: an inexpensive open-source temperature control system for in vitro live cell imaging

O'Carroll, Ross1; Reynolds, James P.1; Al-Roqi, Mazen1; Aiyegbusi, Emmanuelle Damilola1; Dooley, Dearbhaile1

Published Nov 13, 2023 on Dryad. https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.2280gb5zd

Data files

Nov 13, 2023 version files 1.38 MB

Abstract

Live-cell imaging is a common technique in microscopy to investigate dynamic cellular behaviour and permits the accurate and relevant analysis of a wide range of cellular and tissue parameters, such as motility, cell division, wound healing responses, and calcium (Ca2+) signalling in cell lines, primary cell cultures, and ex vivo preparations. Furthermore, this can take place under many experimental conditions, making live-cell imaging indispensable for biological research. Systems which maintain cells at physiological conditions outside of a CO2 incubator are often bulky, expensive, and use proprietary components. Here we present an inexpensive, open-source temperature control system for in vitro live cell imaging. Our system ‘ThermoCyte’, which is constructed from standard electronic components, enables precise tuning, control, and logging of a temperature ‘set point’ for imaging cells at physiological temperature. We achieved stable thermal dynamics, with reliable temperature cycling and a standard deviation of 0.42°C over 1 hour. Furthermore, the device is modular in nature, and is adaptable to the researcher's specific needs. This represents simple, inexpensive, and reliable tool for laboratories to carry out custom live-cell imaging protocols, on a standard lab bench, at physiological temperature.