Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Development of a Microfluidic Chip Powered by EWOD for In Vitro Manipulation of Bovine Embryos

Version 1 : Received: 6 March 2023 / Approved: 7 March 2023 / Online: 7 March 2023 (01:23:28 CET)

A peer-reviewed article of this Preprint also exists.

Karcz, A.; Van Soom, A.; Smits, K.; Van Vlierberghe, S.; Verplancke, R.; Bogado Pascottini, O.; Van den Abbeel, E.; Vanfleteren, J. Development of a Microfluidic Chip Powered by EWOD for In Vitro Manipulation of Bovine Embryos. Biosensors 2023, 13, 419. Karcz, A.; Van Soom, A.; Smits, K.; Van Vlierberghe, S.; Verplancke, R.; Bogado Pascottini, O.; Van den Abbeel, E.; Vanfleteren, J. Development of a Microfluidic Chip Powered by EWOD for In Vitro Manipulation of Bovine Embryos. Biosensors 2023, 13, 419.

Abstract

Digital microfluidics (DMF) holds great potential for the alleviation of laboratory procedures in assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). Electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) provides dynamic culture conditions in vitro that may better mimic the natural embryo microenvironment. Thus far, EWOD microdevices have been proposed for in vitro gamete and embryo handling in mice and for analyzing the human embryo secretome. This article presents the development of the first microfluidic chip utilizing EWOD technology designed for the manipulation of bovine embryos in vitro. The prototype sustains the cell cycles of embryos manipulated individually on the chips during in vitro culture (IVC). Challenges related to the chip fabrication as well as to its application during bovine embryo IVC in accordance with the adapted on-chip protocol are thoroughly discussed, and future directions for DMF in ARTs are indicated.

Keywords

digital microfluidics; electrowetting on dielectric; cell manipulation; individual embryo culture; lab-on-a-chip

Subject

Engineering, Bioengineering

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