MICROFLUIDIC CHANNEL EMBRYO AND/OR OOCYTE HANDLING, ANALYSIS AND BIOLOGICAL EVALUATION

摘要

Microfluidic embryo scaled channels (14) for handling and positioning embryosprovide the opportunity to evaluate and treat embryos in improved manners.Fluid flow is used to move and position embryos within microfluidic channelsand channel geometrics may be used to place embryos at specific locations.Surface properties and compliance (deformation) properties of embryos areevaluated as a predictor of viability. The microfluidic channels provide theopportunity for fine controls of pressure to conduct various evalutions atforces slightly below which damage to embryos is known to occur. Measurementof the distance and/or which embryos roll in a same pressure gradientmicrofluidic channel provides information, with healthy embryos travelingslower or a shorter distance as they demonstrate more stiction to channelwalls.