Issue 10, 2022

Electrically-driven handling of gametes and embryos: taking a step towards the future of ARTs

Abstract

Electrical stimulation of gametes and embryos and on-chip manipulation of microdroplets of culture medium serve as promising tools for assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). Thus far, dielectrophoresis (DEP), electrorotation (ER) and electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) proved compatible with most laboratory procedures offered by ARTs. Positioning, entrapment and selection of reproductive cells can be achieved with DEP and ER, while EWOD provides the dynamic microenvironment of a developing embryo to better mimic the functions of the oviduct. Furthermore, these techniques are applicable for the assessment of the developmental competence of a mammalian embryo in vitro. Such research paves the way towards the amelioration and full automation of the assisted reproduction methods. This article aims to provide a summary on the recent developments regarding electrically stimulated lab-on-chip devices and their application for the manipulation of gametes and embryos in vitro.

Graphical abstract: Electrically-driven handling of gametes and embryos: taking a step towards the future of ARTs

Article information

Article type
Tutorial Review
Submitted
22 dek 2021
Accepted
11 apr 2022
First published
02 may 2022
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY license

Lab Chip, 2022,22, 1852-1875

Electrically-driven handling of gametes and embryos: taking a step towards the future of ARTs

A. Karcz, A. Van Soom, K. Smits, R. Verplancke, S. Van Vlierberghe and J. Vanfleteren, Lab Chip, 2022, 22, 1852 DOI: 10.1039/D1LC01160J

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