Extended live cell imaging requires strict control of temperature, humidity, CO2 and O2 levels in order to maintain sample integrity and focus position. The cellVivo incubation system’s innovative workflow-optimized design provides precise and user-friendly control of even the most sensitive samples. The unique design allows one-handed manipulation of both the incubator and specimen, thus minimizing exposure to the external environment. Intelligent software enables easy set-up and ensures continuous monitoring of conditions, even remotely. cellVivo is a modular and flexible ‘one-size-fits-all’ incubation system, which is fully adaptable to IX73 and IX83 inverted microscopes. Further flexibility is provided by the various enclosure types and components, which can even allow for advanced laser-safe functionality.
The cellVivo incubation system provides reliable control of temperature and gas (CO2 and CO2/O2) with up to 0.05 °C and 0.1 % accuracy, respectively. It changes the complete sample environment five times per minute and allows for a variety of experimental protocols with 0 - 20 % CO2 and 0 - 21 % O2.
Innovations in Incubation - from Start to Finish
The cellVivo incubation system has been specifically designed to optimize the workflow of advanced live cell imaging. This attention to detail covers all components from the innovative design of the door and handle, to the CO2 cover’s one-finger sliding mechanism, which enables users to simultaneously and easily adjust the sample and incubator with only one hand. This minimizes the time samples are exposed to the uncontrolled external environment.
Quick and Easy Assembly
The cellVivo incubator can be assembled in seconds and without the use of tools. Adjustments are easy with simple, detachable panels. The incubator can also be quickly removed, thus allowing the microscope to be easily adapted for the next experimental setup.
Intelligent Light Shielding
Various enclosure types are available from standard transparent housing to high-end, light-shielded enclosures with incorporated safety laser-locks. Intelligent light-shielded enclosures provide darkroom conditions for the sample so the microscope does not need to be used in a dedicated darkroom. Cell-friendly adjustable LED interior lighting and a non-reflective glass viewing window enable a clear view of the chamber interior.
Easy to Use
To further simplify the set-up of advanced live cell experiments, cellVivo software enables easy programming of the desired conditions. The software allows users to store and reload specific parameter sets.
Intuitive Traffic Light Environmental Indicator
The cellVivo software offers a unique ‘traffic light’ system to easily keep track of conditions. Intuitive green-yellow-red indicators keep users informed about environmental conditions and focus stability.
Monitor Experimental Conditions from Anywhere
During the experiment, environmental data are automatically recorded. The software also offers a web interface that enables ‘anytime, anywhere’ monitoring, with the option of email alerts in the event of critical conditions.
Dynamic Experiments
The cellVivo system can be easily programmed, making it ideal for dynamic experiments, in which the user can define specific changes in temperature and gas concentration. Energy savings are also facilitated by automatic on and off functionality.
Modularity
The cellVivo system is highly modular, allowing users to build a system according to their specific needs. With numerous options available, it easy to build a variety of systems ranging from solutions for basic temperature control to advanced laser-safe housings.
Laser safe, black housing with integrated LED illumination, removable front, side doors
Incubator housing VIVO-HP-B
Black housing with integrated LED illumination, removable front, side doors
Incubator housing VIVO-HS-B
Black housing, removable front
Incubator housing VIVO-HP-T
Black housing with transparent front and side panels, LED illumination, removable front
Incubator housing VIVO-HS-T
Black housing with transparent front and side panels, removable front
Microscope compatibility
IX73 and IX83 one- and two-deck versions, all condensers, all fluorescence illuminators, all filter wheels and shutters, all cameras, ZDC, DSU, CSU, stages IX-SVR, IX2-SP, IX2-GS, BX3-SSU, IX3-SSU, Märzhäuser and Prior motorized stages
Temperature controller
2 channel digital PID closed loop, temperature range up to 25 °C above ambient, control accuracy 0.05 °C
CO2 controller
CO2 control range 0 - 20 %, control accuracy 0.1 %, air flow rate 1 l/ min
CO2/ O2 controller
CO2 control range 0 - 20 %, O2 control range 0 - 21 %, control accuracy 0.1 %, air flow rate 1 l/ min
cellVivo software
Storage and retrieval of user and sample settings, data recording, programming of dynamic experiments, traffic light function for incubation parameters with email alert and web interface, requires Windows 7 or 8 operating system.