title: Tagging of individual embryos with electronic p-Chips.
abstract: Collecting information about biochemical processes occurring inside a single cell or embryo is traditionally done either using fluorescent dyes with microscopy or via microelectrode voltage-clamp techniques. This paper demonstrates that a more direct method - transmission of information using an electronic chip implanted in an embryo - is feasible. A light-activated microtransponder with dimensions 250 μm × 250 μm × 100 μm (a "p-Chip") was implanted into a blastula-stage frog (Xenopus laevis) embryo. To implant the chip, a small slit is made in the blastocoel roof with an electrolytically-sharpened tungsten needle, and the p-Chip is inserted using fine forceps. The chip is activated when illuminated by a 60 mW focused laser beam, which causes the p-Chip to send its numeric ID to a nearby receiver. At no time during signal transmission does a wire or other type of object come in contact with or penetrate the epidermal layer covering the p-Chip. The embryo survives the procedure, extruding the chip after approximately 3 h. The method shows promise for studies including voltage potential, pH and other parameters.
authors: PharmaSeq, Inc., 11 Deer Park Dr., Suite 104, Monmouth Junction, NJ, 08852, USA. mandecki@pharmaseq.com.
authors: Wlodek
authors: W
authors: Mandecki
authors: PharmaSeq, Inc., 11 Deer Park Dr., Suite 104, Monmouth Junction, NJ, 08852, USA.
authors: Efrain Frank
authors: EF
authors: Rodriguez
authors: Department of Biology and Behavioral Neuroscience, Rider University, 2083 Lawrenceville Rd, Lawrenceville, NJ, 08648, USA.
authors: Julie
authors: J
authors: Drawbridge
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001755:Blastocyst; D055615:Electrical Equipment and Supplies; D004625:Embryo, Nonmammalian / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D008422:Materials Testing; D014982:Xenopus laevis / Q000196:embryology*
keywords: Identification; Microchip; Microtransponder; RFID; Single cell; Xenopus laevis