Design and implementation of a lab-on-a-chip for assisted reproductive technologies

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Reproductive Biology
• Microfluidics

Background:

• Conventional oocyte handling in assisted reproductive technologies involves manual denudation, trapping, and immobilization.
• These manual procedures can be labor-intensive, require specialized operator skills, and may lead to oocyte damage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and fabricate a novel microfluidic chip for efficient oocyte processing.
• To replace manual methods with an automated microfluidic system for oocyte denudation, trapping, and immobilization.
• To improve the quality assessment and sperm injection process for oocytes.

Main Methods:

• A microfluidic chip was designed and simulated using COMSOL Multiphysics® 5.2.
• Fabrication was performed using soft lithography and injection molding on a polydimethylsiloxane substrate.
• Hydrostatic force, hydraulic resistance, and vacuum force were employed for oocyte manipulation.

Main Results:

• The microfluidic device effectively removes cumulus-corona cells from oocytes.
• Oocytes are captured and immobilized within the chip for quality assessment and sperm injection.
• The chip utilizes hydrostatic force for denudation and hydraulic resistance/vacuum for trapping and immobilization.

Conclusions:

• The microfluidic chip offers a less operator-dependent alternative to manual and enzymatic methods.
• Continuous monitoring of oocyte status is feasible throughout the procedure.
• Reduced need for cultural media compared to standard approaches.