Customizable Live-Cell Imaging Chambers for Fluorescence and Super-Resolution Microscopy.

Abstract

Using multiple imaging modalities while performing independent experiments in parallel can greatly enhance the throughput of microscopy-based research, but requires provision of appropriate experimental conditions in a format that meets the microscopys optical requirements. Although customized imaging chambers can meet these challenges, the difficulty of manufacturing custom chambers and the relatively high cost and design inflexibility of commercial chambers has limited the adoption of this approach. Herein, we demonstrate the use of 3D printing to produce inexpensive, customized live-cell imaging chambers that are compatible with a range of imaging modalities including super-resolution microscopy. In this approach, biocompatible plastics are used to print imaging chambers designed to meet the specific needs of an experiment, followed by adhesion of the printed chamber to a glass coverslip, producing a chamber that is impermeant to liquids and which supports the growth and imaging of cells over multiple days. This approach can also be used to produce moulds for casting PDMS microfluidic devices. The utility of these chambers is demonstrated using designs for multiplex microscopy, imaging under shear, chemotaxis, and general cellular imaging. Together, this approach represents an inexpensive yet highly customizable approach to produce imaging chambers that are compatible with modern microscopy techniques.