Investigating Low-cost Methods of CO2 Generation for Culture of HeLa Cells

This study compared two low-cost carbon dioxide generation methods for the temporary culture of HeLa cells, a common cell line. Because of their rapid cell cycle, HeLa cells are frequently used as cell biology models. If HeLa cells could be temporarily cultured in high schools, they could serve as advanced cell biology models and experimentation mediums. However, maintaining the carbon dioxide concentration necessary to culture HeLa cells, between 30,000 and 50,000 parts per million, is costly. The methods compared in this study were the antacid tablet method and carbonated water method. The research hypothesis was that there would be a significant difference between the duration of desired carbon dioxide concentration using the antacid tablet method versus the carbonated water method. The methods were compared by generating carbon dioxide into an enclosed container (mimicking an incubator) and using a carbon dioxide sensor and data-logging software to determine the duration of the desired carbon dioxide concentration. The student researcher discovered that there was a significant difference between the duration of desired carbon dioxide concentration using the antacid tablet method versus the carbonated water method. The duration of the desired carbon dioxide concentration was significantly longer using the carbonated water method.