Array microinjection apparatus and methods for single cells or embryos

摘要

An array microinjection apparatus comprises a substrate (10) defining an in-use upper surface (11) having formed therein a plurality of part-spherical recesses (12). Each of these includes an in-use upwardly facing opening (13), the dimensions of the recesses (12) being such that each said recess accommodates therein a single cell or a single embryo, the recesses (12) being arranged in the surface (11) in a regular pattern. The cell or embryo may protrude from the recess. The apparatus may further comprise a plurality of injectors corresponding in number and location to said arrays on a carriage which advances and retracts said injectors to permit microinjection of material into the cells or embryos, especially the nucleus. Methods of manufacturing and using the array are also claimed. The array may be made from a gel and the cells released from the array by enzymatic digestion.