Microfluidic Systems for Assisted Reproductive Technologies

The importance of reproduction in livestock production is tremendous. However, little progress has been made with regard to decreasing embryonic mortality. The instruments used for in vitro embryo production (IVP) have not changed dramatically over several decades. This research is aimed at development, testing and optimization of microfluidic devices and associated procedures for in vitromaturation (IVM), in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo culture (EC) of bovine embryos. The three specific aims of this proposal are: 1) to develop Polydimeythlsiloxane (PDMS-based) devices for dynamic IVP studies, 2) to study the effect of dynamic flow conditions on IVM, IVF and EC separately and in combination, and 3) to explore the use of microfluidic, tectonic-based microsystems for IVP. Currently, static culture is the standard practice for IVP of mammalian embryos. The dynamic systems that are being used currently use flow rates several orders of magnitude higher than the proposed system. The proposed system will allow precise control of fresh medium past the oocytes/embryos, and allow the composition of the medium to be gradually changed over a period of time. These microfluidic systems will provide embryos with dramatically improved microenvironments that more closely mimic in vitro conditions and lead to improved embryonic development.