Generation and Selection of Embryos in Vitro
AssigneeBerkeley Lights, Inc.
InventorsKevin Chapman, Volker Kurz, Peggy Radel, Grant Yonehiro
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods of improved monitoring, testing and/or culturing of ova and/or sperm for in vitro fertilization are described herein. Methods of improved monitoring, testing and/or culturing of embryos during ex vivo pre-implantation selection are also described. The ova, sperm or embryos may be derived from wild animals or zoo animals. The ova, sperm or embryos can be mammalian, such as human, bovine, porcine, ovine, caprine, equine, canine, feline, murine, or the like.
Claims45
A process for producing a mammalian embryo in a microfluidic device comprising an isolation pen and a channel configured to contain a fluidic medium, the process comprising:
- introducing a mammalian ovum into the isolation pen of the microfluidic device, wherein the isolation pen comprises an isolation region and a connection region, and further wherein a proximal opening of the connection region fluidically connects the isolation region to the channel;
- introducing at least one sperm into the microfluidic device;
- allowing the at least one sperm to contact the ovum under conditions conducive to fertilization of the ovum;
- and
- incubating the contacted mammalian ovum and the at least one sperm in the microfluidic device for a period of time at least long enough for the mammalian ovum and the at least one sperm to form the embryo.
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A process for monitoring a status of at least one biological micro-object in a microfluidic device comprising an isolation pen and a channel configured to contain a fluidic medium, wherein the biological micro-object is selected from an embryo, sperm or ovum, the process comprising:
- introducing the biological micro-object into the isolation pen of the microfluidic device, wherein the isolation pen comprises an isolation region and a connection region, and further wherein a proximal opening of the connection region fluidically connects the isolation region to the channel;
- providing a medium to the biological micro-object configured to provide nutrients necessary for viability, wherein the provided medium comprises components necessary to activate the biological micro-object for a subsequent biological transformation;
- analyzing a secretion produced by the biological micro-object;
- and
- determining the status of the biological micro-object.
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A process for monitoring a status of at least one biological micro-object in a microfluidic device comprising an isolation pen and a channel configured to contain a fluidic medium, wherein the biological micro-object is selected from a mammalian embryo, sperm or ovum, the process comprising:
- introducing the biological micro-object into the isolation pen of the microfluidic device, wherein the isolation pen comprises an isolation region and a connection region, and further wherein a proximal opening of the connection region fluidically connects the isolation region to the channel;
- providing a medium to the biological micro-object;
- configured to provide nutrients necessary for viability;
- imaging the biological micro-object;
- and
- determining the status of the biological micro-object.
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Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.