A novel method for gas mixing and distribution in multi-chamber embryo incubators
Weijun Zeng1,2, Donggen Xiao2, Ruitao Chen2
1School of Biomedical Engineering (Suzhou), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China.
Background:
High-quality control of the gas environment in incubators is crucial for in vitro embryo development, which requires high accuracy, fast recovery, and low gas consumption.
Objective:
In this study, we propose a novel gas mixing and distribution system and method as an alternative solution for multi-chamber embryo incubators.
Methods:
The system-based embryo incubator enables a controllable gas circulation process and a quantitative supply of CO2 and N2. To determine the optimal parameters for the mixing time and flow rate of the circulated gases, we conducted contrast experiments on the system-based incubator. To evaluate the performance of the gas system in the incubator, we conducted tests under four different initial conditions, simulating various practical application scenarios. Furthermore, we performed a mouse embryo assay to assess the system's effectiveness.
Results:
The results show that the system achieved a gas concentration accuracy of ± 0.2% (volume fraction) after stabilization, a minimum recovery time of 5 minutes, an average consumption of 8.9 L/d for N2 and 0.83 L/d for CO2 during routine operation, and a blastocyst rate exceeding 90% observed after 96 hours of culture in the incubator.
Conclusion:
The system and method demonstrate a significant advantage in terms of low gas consumption compared to existing incubators, while still maintaining high accuracy and fast recovery.
