Time-lapse imager: an incubator with an embedded microscope for live cell imaging

摘要

We present an incubator combined with an embedded microscope for live cell imaging. This table-top system benefits from our novel precise x-y positioning table design, which withstands the incubator's harsh environments. The integrated stage travels soundlessly over the large scan-range of 90 mm × 110 mm with repeatability better than 100nm. With our cost-efficient setup, we successfully filmed the dynamic motion of single living cells when stimulated by various chemical molecules (chemotaxis).