AIM
To observe and document the migration of living cells by time-lapse videography, we constructed a low-budget system based on a common inverted microscope.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Long-term observation of six-well plates is enabled through maintenance of cell culture conditions (5% CO2 in air at 37°C). Points of interest can be revisited in definable intervals with <1 μm repositioning error. Digital photographs from each programmed time point are paired with environmental data and combined into a record.
RESULTS
We used this new chamber to observe the migration of various cell lines. The design represents a good compromise between low cost and good precision. Detailed analyses verified that the environmental conditions were appropriately maintained, enabling long-term observation of viable cells. The stimulating influence of irradiation with photons (radiotherapy) on cellular motility of glioblastoma cells is presented.
CONCLUSION
This study demonstrates that useful videographic systems can be constructed at low cost.