Modular Incubator Chambers (MIC 101)

The Modular Incubator Chambers (MIC 101) can be used to maintain physiologic levels of oxygen in culture.

Traditional methods of cell culture of stem cells, immortalised cell lines and primary cells usually involve cultivation in 37°C to mimic core mammalian body temperature. CO₂ is usually maintained at 5-7% of the atmosphere in most incubators.

Maintaining precise levels surrounding stem cell cultures is a significant technical consideration. Even if cells are supplied with a given level of oxygen in the atmosphere surrounding the liquid medium, oxygen levels at the cell level will change over time in culture due to medium depth and due to density and activity of cells. It is possible, however, to maintain physiologic levels of oxygen in culture (with attention to cell density) by using Modular Incubator Chambers (MIC 101). Ideally, a Clarke-type microelectrode is used to calibrate the interior oxygen tension of the chamber, achieved by flushing the chamber for a defined period of time at precise flows. An open dish of sterile water is used for humidification inside. The entire sealed unit is put into a standard incubator, which supplies only heat.