High-throughput optofluidic system for the laser microsurgery of oocytes

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Microfluidics
• Optical Microscopy

Background:

• Oocyte manipulation and observation are crucial for reproductive research.
• Current methods can be labor-intensive and lack automation.
• Need for advanced systems for high-throughput oocyte studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel microscopy system combining microfluidics and optical microablation.
• To enable high-throughput manipulation, automated media exchange, and long-term observation of oocytes.
• To demonstrate the system's capability for precise intracellular ablation.

Main Methods:

• Integration of a microfluidic chip with an optical microscopy system.
• Utilized computer-controlled syringe pumps for fluid flow and oocyte confinement.
• Employed optical-laser microbeam ablation for targeted removal of intracellular components.
• Validated using surf clam (Spisula solidissima) oocytes.

Main Results:

• Successfully demonstrated high-throughput oocyte manipulation and automated media exchange.
• Achieved precise ablation of the 5 μm nucleolinus within the oocyte nucleolus.
• Validated long-term oocyte observation and assaying for polar body ejection.

Conclusions:

• The developed system offers a powerful platform for advanced oocyte research.
• Microfluidics and optical microablation integration enhances efficiency and precision in oocyte studies.
• This technology has significant potential for applications in developmental biology and assisted reproduction.