Automated Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Assisted Fertilization System
AssigneeCornell University
InventorGianpiero D. Palermo
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An integrated automated system comprising a microfluidic cassette, and methods of use thereof, for intracytoplasmic sperm injection assisted fertilization. The microfluidic cassette and the integrated automated system provides a complete set-up of human gametes for assisted in vitro fertilization, including proper cell stage recognition, gamete propulsion via microfluidic currents, microinjection of a spermatozoon into an oocyte, and subsequent embryo culture and monitoring, thus allowing widespread distribution of in vitro insemination by favoring affordability.
Claims20
An enclosed microfluidics cassette device for intracytoplasmic sperm injection assisted fertilization comprising:
- a) an oocyte reservoir comprising an oocyte chamber, an inlet and an outlet;
- b) an oocyte cumulus removal channel in selective fluid communication with the oocyte reservoir outlet;
- c) an oocyte immobilizing station in selective fluid communication with the oocyte cumulus removal channel;
- d) a spermatozoa reservoir comprising a spermatozoa chamber, an inlet and outlet;
- e) a motile spermatozoa isolating channel in selective fluid communication with the spermatozoa reservoir outlet;
- f) a motile spermatozoa immobilization station in selective fluid communication with the motile spermatozoa isolating channel and in selective fluid communication with the oocyte immobilization station;
- and
- g) an embryo culturing chamber in selective fluid communication with the oocyte immobilization station.
A system for automated intracytoplasmic sperm injection assisted fertilization comprising:
- an enclosed microfluidics cassette device for intracytoplasmic sperm injection assisted fertilization comprising:
- a) an oocyte reservoir comprising an oocyte chamber, an inlet and an outlet;
- b) an oocyte cumulus removal channel in selective fluid communication with the oocyte reservoir outlet;
- c) an oocyte immobilizing station in selective fluid communication with the oocyte cumulus removal channel;
- d) a spermatozoa reservoir comprising a spermatozoa chamber, an inlet and outlet;
- e) a motile spermatozoa isolating channel in selective fluid communication with the spermatozoa reservoir outlet;
- f) a motile spermatozoa immobilization station in selective fluid communication with the motile spermatozoa isolating channel and in selective fluid communication with the oocyte immobilization station;
- and
- g) an embryo culturing chamber in selective fluid communication with the oocyte immobilization station;
- and
- a machine for functionally engaging the microfluidics cassette device comprising a central processing unit (CPU) and software for automated monitoring and control of selective communication for progression of microfluidics, oocyte cumulus removal, oocyte selection and immobilization, motile spermatozoa isolation, motile sperm immobilization, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, and embryo monitoring.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.