backup gas for hypoxia studies - (Jun/12/2007 )

Setting up cell culture for the first time. Incubator can be configured with a backup tank/port of CO2 or of N2, but not both. I plan to do some hypoxia studies in the future. Which option is preferred (I guess the question is, which tank will I be more likely to run out of or through the fastest).

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Dear shawnB,

You really need to be using a Hypoxic chamber (i.e. Coy). These have definite advantages:

You can trypsinise your cells in the chamber.
The chamber has 2 tents i.e. you can use 2 different oxygen concentrations
The cells can be incubated in the chamber for weeks without ever seeing 21% oxygen (atmospheric)


The disadvantage is that they cost around £16,000.

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Thanks. However your suggestion is not an option. I have a Form 3130 and need advice along the lines of answering my original question even if my system is not optimal.

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