ANALYTICAL AND LABORATORY EQUIPMENT 15
research the Institute is very dependant on the performance and reliability of its incubation systems. Recent advances in incubator technologies have meant that temperature and environmental control can be achieved.
Delicate cells Tere are 20 Panasonic MCO-5M incubators in the Karolinska Institute laboratories for reproductive research. Tese small, personal appliances are well suited for applications involving professional cell culturing, due to their precise CO2
reliable decontamination and temperature stability. Tis environmental control is vitally important in IVF research and was a major consideration for the Karolinska Institute when specifying their systems.
and O2
As with all cell cultivation, in order to culture mature oocytes, very precise conditions are required. For example, the temperature must remain at a constant 37°C and reduced oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations must be maintained, reflecting the natural in vivo conditions of the cells. Differentiations in these conditions can impact on cell metabolism and future viability, impacting on the success of potential IVF procedures.
At the Karolinska Institute, the optimum conditions are provided for each and every cell culture undergoing maturation, whether they are situated by the incubator door or at the back of the chamber. Te uniformity in conditions is guaranteed by Panasonic’s patented Direct Heat and Air Jacket (Fig. 1), which ensures and maintains the required temperature of 37°C by enclosing the chamber in high density foam insulation. In addition, gentle fan circulation reduces any temperature gradient throughout the chamber.
level controls,
maintained through a CO2 sensing system, which provide
range between 0 to 20 per cent).
In order to provide physiological conditions for the cells in culture, the incubators also achieve stable gas concentrations through a combination of exclusive technologies. CO2
levels are
the necessary levels of accuracy (CO2
A long-life zirconia oxygen sensor upholds the sub-ambient oxygen levels required by the Karolinska Institute. An automatic N2
system is also included in this system, which switches from a primary to a secondary cylinder when recovery times exceed a given limit. In this way there are no large variations in gas concentration and no threat to the biological processes of the maturing ovarian follicles.
Prioritising cell security Keeping these irreplaceable cells secure is a top priority at the Karolinska Institute. Many of the samples being cultured in the incubators are unique to the project and so it is crucial that any risk of damage or contamination is minimised as much as possible.
In the Panasonic system, a centralised microprocessor controller complete with alarm, programming, calibration and diagnostic protocols supervises all operations within the incubator. Internal conditions in the incubators are therefore constantly monitored and controlled. Should there ever be an issue, researchers are alerted immediately. Te inclusion of multiple decontamination systems in the equipment itself further guarantees In vitro performance. Panasonics combination of inCu saFe and SafeCell UV contamination control technology protects against both airborne and waterborne contaminants and prevents the growth of moulds,
fungi and bacteria with constant germicidal protection. In this innovative application, where cells are unique, this provides additional reassurance to the team at the Karolinska Institute.
Conclusion Professor Hovatta’s aim is to have this technique introduced into clinical settings, making IVF and assisted reproduction a viable option for women who have received chemotherapy looking to become pregnant.
cylinder switchover
By growing the cells in the stable, optimised environment provided by Panasonic incubators, primordial follicles can be cultured successfully into mature oocytes for IVF.
Te technique is already showing great success and although the cells have yet to reach the ideal size for implantation (120µm), ethics approval has already been given to move this research to the next stage.
“Te cell environments created by the Panasonic incubators are very stable and well controlled,” commented Professor Hovatta. “In our research, the cell lines are completely unique, so we cannot take any risks during their cultivation. By developing this technique, we are confident that we can demonstrate that the resulting oocytes and embryos are normal and healthy and eventually progress to clinical applications.”
Jacqueline van der Zijden is product manager at Panasonic Biomedical, Etten Leur, the Netherlands.
www.panasonic.eu
REFERENCES: 1
2
Te number of babies born globally after treatment with the assisted reproductive technologies (ART) G.D. Adamson, M. Tabangin, M. Macaluso, J de Mouzon. Fertility and sterility. 1 September 2013;
5 million babies born through IVF in past 35 years, researchers say. NBC News.14 October 2013 (
www.nbcnews.com/health/5- million-babies-born-through-ivf-past-35-years-researchers- 8C11390532).
www.scientistlive.com
“The continuing development of easier methods has increased interest and introduced opportunities to make IVF more affordable, successful and available to the wider population.”
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