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Appendix C: Automated Vitrification of Mammalian Embryos on a Digital Microfluidic Device
Jun Liu1, Derek G Pyne1, Mohamed Abdelgawad2
1Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, 5 King's College Road, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5S3G8.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|April 20, 2017
Summary
A novel digital microfluidic device automates mammalian embryo vitrification using microdroplets. This method offers automated operation, controlled cryoprotectant delivery, and easier embryo handling compared to traditional techniques.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Biotechnology
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Mammalian embryo vitrification is crucial for assisted reproduction.
- Manual sample preparation is time-consuming and prone to errors.
- Current microfluidic methods have limitations in automation and embryo handling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a digital microfluidic device for automated mammalian embryo vitrification.
- To demonstrate the use of microdroplets as microvessels for embryo transport during vitrification.
- To highlight the advantages over manual and channel-based microfluidic approaches.
Main Methods:
- Development of a digital microfluidic device.
- Manipulation of individual microdroplets containing single mouse embryos.
- Automated transport through a complete vitrification procedure.
Main Results:
- Successful automation of mammalian embryo vitrification.
- Generation of cryoprotectant concentration gradients within microdroplets.
- Demonstrated feasibility of embryo loading and retrieval.
Conclusions:
- Digital microfluidics offers an automated and efficient solution for embryo vitrification.
- Microdroplet-based manipulation enhances control and precision in cryopreservation.
- This technology has potential to improve assisted reproductive technologies.
