Low-cost Microscope Stage Incubator

In this project, we build a portable, cost-effective ($100-200), and easy-to-assemble microscope stage incubator designed for long-term cell and tissue imaging, supporting continuous imaging for up to one week. The system maintains the following conditions:

• Temperature of 37°C
• Humidity above 95% to prevent media evaporation
• CO₂ concentration of 5% to regulate pH

The system must also be compatible with inverted microscopes and suitable for both brightfield and fluorescent imaging while having 213x166x65 mm as its maximum dimensions.

COMSOL Simulations

Figure 1 – (a) Plot of the temperature change at the center of the petri dish over time, showcasing a plateau at 37 degrees Celsius at around 30 seconds; and (b) Temperature distribution plot of the incubator at 30s.

Mechanical Design

Figure 2 – CAD Model Renders of the Incubator

Figure 3 – CAD Model Renders of the Electrical Housing Box

Circuit Design

Figure 4 – Fritzing Model of the Final Circuit Design

Final Build

Figure 5 – Labeled Image of Final Build

Figure 6 – Temperature vs. Time Graph (run 3)

Figure 7 – Humidity vs. Time Graph (run 2)

Due to time constraints, we were incapable of producing a CO2 profile vs time. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me!