Microfluidic systems for improving assisted reproductive technologies culture protocols

F. van Rossem, T.C. Esteves, M. Boiani, S. le Gac, A. van den Berg

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionAcademicpeer-review

    1 Citation (Scopus)
    11 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    Despite extensive and increasing use, Assisted Reproduction Technologies exhibit low successful full-term pregnancy rate (< 30%). One weakness identified is the need of in vitro culturing embryos during pre-implantation stages, before embryos are transferred. Here, we propose a novel microfluidic system to address the issues surrounding culture effects on embryo development. We demonstrate that mouse embryos cultured in microchambers (30, 270 nL) develop faster and to higher blastocyst rates than in conventional systems (Nunc dishes, 400 μL). Also, single embryo culture in microfluidic systems is feasible. Finally, on-chip culture embryos develop viably (pups) after implantation in pseudopregnant mice.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publication14th International Conference on Miniaturized Systems for Chemistry and Life Sciences, µTAS 2010
    EditorsSabeth Verpoorte, Helen Andersson-Svath, Jenny Emnéus, Nicole Pamme
    Place of PublicationSan Diego
    PublisherThe Chemical and Biological Microsystems Society
    Pages1484-1486
    Number of pages3
    ISBN (Electronic)978-0-9798064-3-8
    ISBN (Print)978-1-6183906-2-2
    Publication statusPublished - 3 Oct 2010
    Event14th International Conference on Miniaturized Systems for Chemistry and Life Sciences, µTAS 2010 - Groningen, Netherlands
    Duration: 3 Oct 20107 Oct 2010
    Conference number: 14

    Publication series

    NameInternational Conference on Miniaterized Systems for Chemistry and Life Sciences : [proceedings]
    PublisherThe Chemical and Biological Microsystems Society
    Volume2010
    ISSN (Print)1556-5904

    Conference

    Conference14th International Conference on Miniaturized Systems for Chemistry and Life Sciences, µTAS 2010
    Abbreviated titleMicroTAS 2010
    Country/TerritoryNetherlands
    CityGroningen
    Period3/10/107/10/10

    Keywords

    • Assisted reproductive technologies
    • Embryo culture
    • Micro-fluidics
    • Mammalian embryo

    Cite this