title: Full in vitro fertilization laboratory mechanization: toward robotic assisted reproduction?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe the current efforts made to standardize different steps of assisted reproductive technology processes by the introduction of new technologies for the nonsubjective sperm selection process, oocyte denudation by mechanical removal of cumulus cells, oocyte positioning, sperm motility screening, fertilization, embryo culture, media replacement by microfluidics, and monitoring of embryo development by time-lapse photography, embryo secretions, and/or O(2) consumption. These technologies could be integrated in a unique and fully automated device.
  
  
  METHODS
  Pubmed database and research and development data from authors.
  
  
  METHODS
  University-affiliated private center.
  
  
  METHODS
  None.
  
  
  METHODS
  None.
  
  
  METHODS
  None.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Several technologies would be useful for: 1) selection of sperm based on viability; 2) manipulation and removal of the cumulus cells' narrow channel regions combined with microfluidics; 3) advances in oocyte positioning precision through the use of joystick-controlled micromanipulators; 4) microfluidics allowing the gradual change of a culture medium, which might result in better embryo development as well as reduce the amount of embryo manipulation; 5) time-lapse, proteomic, and metabolic scoring of the developing embryo, allowing multiple and optimized selection of the embryos. The technologies described in this review have not yet reported reliable clinical proofs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We already have available some of the technologies described, but we envisage an integrated device, i.e., an IVF lab-on-a-chip, by which oocyte and sperm would be processed to achieve a perfect embryo ready to be delivered into the uterus. With such a device, sample preparation, chemical or biologic reactions, and data collection would be integrated.
authors.affiliation: Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
authors.forename: Marcos
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Meseguer
authors.forename: Ulrich
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Kruhne
authors.forename: Steen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Laursen
mesh_terms: D057205:Automation, Laboratory / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D046149:Embryo Culture Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D044085:Microfluidics / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D054315:Oocyte Retrieval / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D012371:Robotics / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D055101:Semen Analysis / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D059008:Time-Lapse Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods