Research And Development Of A Portable Cell Incubator

Cell culture technology is the foundation of biotechnology using cells, and it occupies an important position in the biotechnological research. Besides the nutrient, proper temperature, humidity, gas condition, and sterile environment are essential in cell culture. Portable cell incubator can provide a stable temperature environment, long-term humidity environment, pH balance which can maintain cell growth, and closed and sterile cell culture environment. It is an important tool for cell transferring, short-term cell culture in laboratory, and in-site or field experiments. Light, small size, and relatively stable controlling parameters are the main requirements for the development of a portable cell incubator.This paper analyzes the domestic and international development and situation of portable cell culture systems. In order to solve some question in the parameter controlling, a portable cell incubator based on the PIC16F877A SCM is developed. This portable system can realize the detection and control of the temperature and the relative humidity, and it is small and portable for long-distance transfer.PIC16F877A SCM is used as the main controlling chip, and the electric circuit is designed as several individual modules. Digital temperature and humidity sensor SHT11 is used to achieve the detection of temperature and relative humidity in the cell culture area. Semiconductor cooling chip TEC-12706 is used as the temperature-control component to realize heating and cooling process. An ultrasonic fog humidifier is used for humidification. The cabinet structure can guarantee the good airtightness and even temperature in the culture zone.The whole structure, hardware, software, and box are described in detail. Finally, the system is used for the experimental research. Experimental results show that the system can accurately control the temperature and relative humidity in the culture zone, which is helpful for the long-distance transport.