The ONIX™ platform uses an innovative microincubation system to maintain cells at 37°C, 5% CO₂, allow continuous medium perfusion, and prevent evaporation-- all for up to one week on the microscope stage. This approach is far more efficient than traditional stage top or enclosure control methods. The microincubation system is depicted in the figure below.

This schematic depicts the side-view of the microfluidic plate and pneumatic manifold on an inverted microscope stage. The pneumatic manifold seals to the top of the microfluidic plate wells, and enables pressure driven flow of medium to the cell chamber. It also supplies 5% CO₂ to an enclosed 1 mL chamber above the cells. The CO₂ then diffuses through the gas permeable membrane above the cells to provide the proper buffer for standard culture medium.

Temperature control is provided via two alternatives. If a heated enclosure is in use, the entire stage, plate, and objective lens are warmed to 37°C. Temperature can also be maintained using an objective heater. This is suitable in cases where oil/water immersion objectives are used. In these cases, heat from the objective lens is rapidly conducted to the cell culture chamber to maintain a stable temperature. Because the cell chamber is in contact with the immersion oil (or heated air) through a thin 170 micron glass slide and insulated from above, there is minimal heat loss in the system.

This system maintains CO₂ within 0.1% of the set point (0-20%) while consuming minimal CO₂, prevents evaporation, and continuously perfuses culture medium to the cells during imaging.

Schematic not drawn to scale.