In the first microscope system, a sealed 25 cm² tissue culture flask (T-25) is affixed to the microscope stage in a custom stage insert (Ludl) and is used to observe the dynamics of a particular cell culture. Our experience using sealed T-25 flasks demonstrates suitable pH control in the culture medium for most cell lines, but a few cell lines require CO₂-mediated pH control for long observation periods.

The second system uses a LiveCell3 stage incubator for multi-well plates. This new incubator allows for CO₂ and humidity control. This set up allows us to use the same buffer systems in culture medium that are routinely used in standard biochemical/molecular studies, a key benefit.