Low-Cost, Controllable Hypoxia Chamber

=Problem Definition= The purpose of this project is to design and develop a low-cost, controllable hypoxia chamber for stem cell research.

Background
A crucial component to conducting stem cell research is maintaining a hypoxic growing environment. Stem cells naturally grow in a low-oxygen environment and simulating this environment during experiments allows researchers to more efficiently cultivate stem cells and conduct research regarding the effect of low-oxygen environments on the cells’ development. A hypoxic environment can be simulated by using cobalt chloride, but this has undesired side effects on the cells’ health. A more realistic and effective solution is to cultivate the cells in a hypoxic chamber. However, current commercial hypoxia chambers are expensive. The objective of this project is to develop a functional, simple, and low-cost hypoxia chamber for stem cell research. The results of this project will include the hypoxia chamber design and physical product as well as a published paper detailing our design and construction process. This will allow other researchers to utilize our technology and ideas.

Deliverables
The hypoxia chamber must:
 * Be designed to fit within an incubator.
 * Be capable of maintaining a hypoxic environment for a minimum period of 21 days.
 * Have components that can withstand being autoclaved/sterilized with a solution.
 * Have a user interface that allows monitoring and control of O2 and CO2 levels.

Specifications
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=Additional Documentation=

Project Schedule



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Client Interview