Robust computer-controlled system for intracytoplasmic sperm injection and subsequent cell electro-activation

Abstract

Introduction: Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and the subsequent cell electro-activation process is a relatively new enhanced procedure to address male factor infertility. The current method involves the engagement of experienced embryologists for such a purpose. More advanced methodologies, which use high precision instrumentation tools, will speed up the whole procedure. Methods: In this paper, the development of a computer-controlled system for ICSI and the subsequent cell electro-activation process is presented. The system is integrated to a microinjection workstation and piezo-actuator to perform the ICSI procedure, with vision capability to automatically position the components precisely. A micro-pump assembly is utilized for automatic medium refreshment and a heater plate assembly provides temperature control during the cell electro-activation process. The overall system is comprehensive, comprising modular functional components integrated within a hardware architecture. Results: Experimental results on mice oocytes verified the effectiveness of the developed system over the current method. Conclusions: Further improvements on the instrumentation tools will improve the robustness and overall performance of the developed system. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.