title: Optical manipulations of human gametes.
abstract: Optical manipulations of human gametes are described indicating their potential for use in in vitro fertilization and preimplantation-assisted zona pellucida hatching. Successful manipulations are demonstrated using focused laser beams in association with microscopy. The micromanipulation and selection of male gametes were achieved using an optical-trapping infrared laser diode. The opening of the zona pellucida surrounding the egg (assisted hatching) was performed using a pulsed, nitrogen-pumped dye laser. Clinical applications for laser-assisted reproduction techniques are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Cell Robotics, Albuquerque, NM.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Conia
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Voelkel
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers; D008297:Male; D008846:Micromanipulation / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D013084:Sperm-Ovum Interactions