Microfluidic devices for aiding in-vitro fertilization technique

摘要

In this study, we propose two devices that provide an easier and faster method to execute in-vitro fertilization (IVF) technique. The devices consist of a high quality sperm sorter and an oocytes zona-removal and incubation device to aid promoting the success rate and the efficiency of IVF technique. Comparing with the traditional IVF process, the high quality sperm sorter can gently sort out large number of sperms in few minutes and keep high survival rate for oligospermia patients. At the same time, the oocytes zona-removal and incubation device also gently decreases the enzyme contraction with removing oocytes shell rapidly. Experiment results showed that sorted sperms could easily attach on dezona oocytes surface, and the oocytes are still in complete shape. These two devices not only provide an easier and faster method to sort out motile sperms and dezona oocytes, but also increase the attachment rate of sperms on oocytes.