In vitro fertilization system and components associated therewith

Abstract

Described herein are devices, systems, and methods to aid in the manipulation of cells. The devices, methods, and systems disclosed herein can be applied towards, for example, automation of the in vitro fertilization process.

1 - 61 . (canceled) 
     
     
         62 . A biochip comprising:
 (a) a first layer comprising a plurality of reservoirs;   (b) a second layer comprising:
 (i) a plurality of channels imprinted in the second layer, wherein the channels are in fluidic communication with the reservoirs; 
 (ii) a plurality of valves configured to control liquid flow within the plurality of channels; and 
 (iii) a well imprinted in the second layer fluidically connected to the plurality of reservoirs by the plurality of channels, 
   wherein the well comprises:
 (I) an open upper end; 
 (II) a closed lower end; 
 (III) a perimeter body connecting the closed lower end and the open upper end; 
 (IV) an inlet; and 
 (V) an outlet 
   wherein:
 the well contains a group of cells; 
 a size of the inlet in a first dimension is larger than a diameter of the group of cells; 
 a size of the inlet in a second dimension is smaller than the diameter of the group of cells; 
 a size of the outlet in a first dimension is larger than the diameter of the group of cells; and 
 a size of the outlet in a second dimension is smaller than the diameter of the group of cells; and 
   (c) a housing encasing the first layer and the second layer.   
     
     
         63 . The biochip of  claim 62 , wherein the first layer is directly on top of the second layer. 
     
     
         64 . The biochip of  claim 62 , wherein the second layer further comprises:
 (iv) an upper film that seals the plurality of channels from the top; and   (v) a lower film that seals the plurality of channels from the bottom.   
     
     
         65 . The biochip of  claim 62 , further comprising a plurality of input ports, wherein each of the plurality of input ports leads to at least one of the plurality of reservoirs. 
     
     
         66 . The biochip of  claim 65 , further comprising:
 (d) a pressure source; and   (e) a sealing layer in between and in contact with the plurality of reservoirs and the pressure source;   wherein the sealing layer provides a pneumatic seal between the pressure source and the plurality of reservoirs.   
     
     
         67 . The biochip of  claim 62 , further comprising:
 (d) a storage pot imprinted in the second layer; and   (e) an air permeable medium covering the storage pot.   
     
     
         68 - 71 . (canceled) 
     
     
         72 . The biochip of  claim 62 , wherein the first layer further comprises a negative pressure port. 
     
     
         73 . (canceled) 
     
     
         74 . The biochip of  claim 62 , wherein the group of cells is a group of embryonic cells. 
     
     
         75 . The biochip of  claim 62 , wherein the group of cells is a single cell. 
     
     
         76 . The biochip of  claim 75 , wherein the single cell is an oocyte. 
     
     
         77 . The biochip of  claim 62 , wherein the group of cells is a mass of a plurality of cells. 
     
     
         78 . The biochip of  claim 77 , wherein the mass of the plurality of cells is a cumulus oocyte complex. 
     
     
         79 . The biochip of  claim 77 , wherein the mass of the plurality of cells is a zygote. 
     
     
         80 . The biochip of  claim 77 , wherein the mass of the plurality of cells is an embryo. 
     
     
         81 . The biochip of  claim 77 , wherein the mass of the plurality of cells is a blastocyst. 
     
     
         82 . (canceled) 
     
     
         83 . The biochip of  claim 62 , wherein the plurality of channels is a plurality of microfluidic channels 
     
     
         84 . The biochip of  claim 62 , wherein the size of the inlet in the first dimension is about 120 μm to about 500 μm. 
     
     
         85 . The biochip of  claim 62 , wherein the size of the inlet in the second dimension is of about 1 μm to about 60 μm. 
     
     
         86 . The biochip of  claim 62 , wherein the size of the outlet in the first dimension is about 120 μm to about 500 μm. 
     
     
         87 . The biochip of  claim 62 , wherein the size of the outlet in the second dimension is about 1 μm to about 60 μm. 
     
     
         88 - 107 . (canceled)