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Microfluidic Devices for the Analysis of Gamete and Embryo Physiology

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Human Gametes and Preimplantation Embryos

Abstract

Microfluidic technology provides a unique means of interfacing known analytical methods for embryo developmental physiology and molecular phenotypes in real time. Proof of concept devices have been demonstrated for quantitation of all relevant biological parameters, with commercial translation more prevalent for genomic and proteomic detection, wherein microfluidic devices might form the next generation of PGS technologies. While poly(dimethyl)siloxane devices are amenable to culture and microscopic visualization of growing embryos, there is still no easily implemented substitute for standard incubation techniques, although there is the very real prospect of integration of a microfluidic device for morphokinetic analysis, as an adjunct to time-lapse imaging. It may still be some time before the wealth of experimental concepts in microfluidic sciences are translated into a clinically relevant diagnostic tool for IVF, but these should provide a gateway to future devices with more automation and less user intervention, to systematize assisted reproductive technology laboratories. An ideal device could be an active, continuous culture platform with integrated time-lapse imaging and metabolomic or secretomic endpoints, providing real-time physiological outputs as the embryo develops, as well as sampling for interface with more detailed molecular analyses.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Zoology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

    George A. Thouas, David L. Potter & David K. Gardner

Authors
  1. George A. Thouas
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  2. David L. Potter
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  3. David K. Gardner
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Correspondence to George A. Thouas .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Melbourne, Department of Zoology, Royal Parade, Melbourne, 3010, Victoria, Australia

    David K. Gardner

  2. Boston IVF, Second Ave. 130, Waltham, 02451, Massachusetts, USA

    Denny Sakkas

  3. Yale School of Medicine, Dept. of Ob/Gyn & Reproductive Sciences, Cedar St. 333, New Haven, 06510, Connecticut, USA

    Emre Seli

  4. Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Nuffield Department of, Garsington Road, Oxford, OX4 2HW, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom

    Dagan Wells

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Thouas, G.A., Potter, D.L., Gardner, D.K. (2013). Microfluidic Devices for the Analysis of Gamete and Embryo Physiology. In: Gardner, D., Sakkas, D., Seli, E., Wells, D. (eds) Human Gametes and Preimplantation Embryos. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6651-2_26

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6651-2_26

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