Construction a CO2 Incubator for Cell Culture with Capability of Transmitting Microwave Radiation abstract
Background: The objective of this study was to design and construct a
CO2 incubator with
nonmetallic walls and to investigate the viability of the cells and microwave irradiance inside this
incubator. Methods: Because the walls of conventional incubators are made of metal, this causes
scattering, reflection, and absorption of electromagnetic waves. We decided to build a nonmetallic
wall incubator to examine cells under microwave radiation. Incubator walls were made using
polyvinyl chloride and Plexiglas and then temperature, CO2 pressure, and humidity sensors were
placed in it. Atmel® ATmega1284, a low‑power CMOS 8‑bit microcontroller, collects and analyzes
the sensor information, and if the values are less or more than the specified limits, the command to
cut off or connect the electric current to the heater or CO2 solenoid valve is sent. Using a fan inside
the incubator chamber, temperature and CO2 are uniforms. The temperature of the points where the
cell culture plates are placed was measured, and the temperature difference was compared. Ovarian
cancer cells (A2780) were cultured in the hand‑made and commercial incubators at different times,
and cell viability was compared by the MTT method. Microwave radiation in the incubator was
also investigated using a spectrum analyzer. The survival of cells after microwave irradiation in the
incubator was measured and compared with control cells. Results: The data showed that there was
no significant difference in temperature of different points in hand‑made incubator and also there was
no significant difference between the viability of cells cultured in the hand‑made and commercial
incubators. The survival of irradiated cells in the incubator was reduced compared to control cells,
but this reduction was not significant. Conclusion: This incubator has the ability to maintain cells
and study the effects of electromagnetic radiations on the desired cells, which becomes possible by
using this device.