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MRI-compatible incubation chamber for cell culture experiments.
Nina F Schwenzer1, Eckart F Grönewäller, Enno Rodegerdts
1Division of Diagnostic Radiology, Department of Radiology, Klinikum der Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging : JMRI
|November 30, 2005
Summary
This study developed an MRI-compatible incubation chamber that maintains stable temperature and pH for cell cultures, crucial for accurate magnetic resonance imaging experiments. The chamber ensures reliable cell viability and magnetic field homogeneity.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cell Biology
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Background:
- Accurate cell culture conditions are vital for reproducible biological experiments.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) requires non-ferromagnetic materials to avoid image distortion.
- Integrating experimental setups with MRI poses challenges in maintaining controlled environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and validate an incubation chamber compatible with MRI environments.
- To ensure the chamber minimizes experimental errors related to environmental control.
- To assess the impact of the chamber on magnetic field homogeneity.
Main Methods:
- Constructed two identical, gas-tight Plexiglas chambers with adjustable temperature and CO(2) concentration.
- Measured temperature variations within and between chambers.
- Assessed pH stability of cell culture media and performed colony formation tests.
- Evaluated magnetic field homogeneity using phantom tests.
Main Results:
- Temperature variations were minimal (<0.3°C within chambers, <0.05°C between chambers).
- Cell culture media pH remained stable (7.47-7.48) over 8 hours, comparable to CO(2) incubators.
- Colony formation tests showed cell survival fractions similar to standard CO(2) incubators.
- No magnetic field distortions were observed due to the chamber.
Conclusions:
- The developed incubation system effectively replicates CO(2) incubator conditions.
- The chamber is compatible with MRI, preserving magnetic flux density.
- This system enables reliable cell-based experiments within MRI scanners.