3D printed chamber for live cell imaging on an upright epifluorescence microscope

Area of Science:

• Experimental Biology
• Microscopy
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Live cell imaging is crucial for observing cellular dynamics and responses.
• Existing live cell imaging setups often require expensive, specialized equipment like dedicated microscopes and stage adaptors.
• There is a need for accessible and cost-effective solutions for live cell imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and fabricate a low-cost imaging chamber using 3D printing technology.
• To enable dynamic, real-time calcium imaging and fluid exchange on standard upright microscopes.
• To provide an affordable alternative for live cell imaging in research and educational settings.

Main Methods:

• Utilized 3D printing to construct a novel imaging chamber with integrated side ports for fluid exchange.
• Adapted the chamber for use with standard upright epifluorescent microscopes without specialized stage adaptors.
• Performed dynamic, real-time calcium imaging on cultured mouse hypothalamic astrocytes and brain slices.

Main Results:

• The 3D-printed chamber successfully facilitated real-time calcium imaging of astrocytes and brain slices.
• The chamber allowed for effective testing of cellular responses to ATP stimulation via fluid exchange.
• The device demonstrated compatibility with standard upright epifluorescent microscopes, enhancing their functionality.

Conclusions:

• 3D printing technology offers a viable method for creating low-cost, functional live cell imaging chambers.
• The developed chamber provides an accessible tool for dynamic calcium imaging and fluid exchange experiments.
• This innovation is particularly beneficial for undergraduate laboratories lacking advanced microscopy equipment.