Development of an Open Microfluidic Platform for Oocyte One-Stop Vitrification with Cryotop Method

Area of Science:

• Reproductive biology
• Biomedical engineering
• Cell cryopreservation

Background:

• Oocyte vitrification is crucial for assisted reproduction and fertility preservation.
• The manual Cryotop method, while effective, demands high embryologist proficiency and precise manipulation.
• Osmotic shock during cryoprotectant agent (CPA) treatment poses a significant risk to oocyte viability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an automated microfluidic system for oocyte vitrification.
• To standardize the vitrification process and minimize osmotic shock to oocytes.
• To provide a more accessible and consistent alternative to manual Cryotop vitrification.

Main Methods:

• Development of a novel open microfluidic chip integrated with automatic devices.
• Implementation of a standardized protocol for CPA treatment and oocyte transfer.
• Integration with the commercialized Cryotop device for freezing and thawing.

Main Results:

• The system achieved smooth CPA concentration changes and precise oocyte transfer.
• Vitrification outcomes, including survival rate, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, were comparable to manual Cryotop methods.
• The system demonstrated consistent treatment effects across operations.

Conclusions:

• The automated microfluidic system offers a standardized and reliable approach to oocyte vitrification.
• This technology minimizes risks of cell loss or damage associated with manual handling.
• The system shows potential as a universal solution for vitrifying various precious cells.