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Automated Denudation of Oocytes
Rongan Zhai1, Guanqiao Shan2, Changsheng Dai2
1School of Mechatronic Engineering and Automation, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China.
Micromachines
|August 26, 2022
Summary
Automated robotic systems can now perform oocyte denudation for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), improving yield and efficiency compared to manual methods. This technology enhances oocyte quality and fertilization rates, paving the way for standardized ICSI procedures.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Robotics in Medicine
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Manual oocyte denudation for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is labor-intensive, requiring extensive training and skilled operators.
- Current manual methods face challenges with low yield rates and variable denudation efficiency due to human factors like fatigue and skill discrepancies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a robotic system for automated oocyte denudation to overcome the limitations of manual procedures.
- To enhance the yield rate and efficiency of oocyte denudation in ICSI.
Main Methods:
- Development of a robotic system incorporating vision-based contact detection for precise micropipette positioning.
- Implementation of algorithms for oocyte and cumulus cell recognition, automated calibration, and dynamic flow rate control during aspiration and deposition.
- Experimental validation using mouse oocytes to assess system performance.
Main Results:
- The robotic denudation system achieved a high yield rate of 97.0 ± 2.8% and denudation efficiency of 95.0 ± 0.8%.
- Oocytes processed by the robotic system demonstrated fertilization rates and developmental competence comparable to those from manual denudation.
Conclusions:
- The developed robotic system offers a viable solution for automated oocyte denudation, significantly improving upon manual techniques.
- This advancement contributes to the automation and standardization of ICSI procedures, potentially improving outcomes in assisted reproductive technologies.
