Ferraz Marcia de Almeida Monteiro Melo, Ferronato Giuliana de Avila
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Oberschleißheim, Germany.
Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
Anim Reprod. 2023 Aug 4;20(2):e20230058. doi: 10.1590/1984-3143-AR2023-0058. eCollection 2023.
Traditional methods of gamete handling, fertilization, and embryo culture often face limitations in efficiency, consistency, and the ability to closely mimic conditions. This review explores the opportunities presented by microfluidic and 3D culture systems in overcoming these challenges and enhancing embryo production. We discuss the basic principles of microfluidics, emphasizing their inherent advantages such as precise control of fluid flow, reduced reagent consumption, and high-throughput capabilities. Furthermore, we delve into microfluidic devices designed for gamete manipulation, fertilization, and embryo culture, highlighting innovations such as droplet-based microfluidics and on-chip monitoring. Next, we explore the integration of 3D culture systems, including the use of biomimetic scaffolds and organ-on-a-chip platforms, with a particular focus on the oviduct-on-a-chip. Finally, we discuss the potential of these advanced systems to improve embryo production outcomes and advance our understanding of early embryo development. By leveraging the unique capabilities of microfluidics and 3D culture systems, we foresee significant advancements in the efficiency, effectiveness, and clinical success of embryo production.
传统的配子处理、受精和胚胎培养方法在效率、一致性以及精确模拟条件的能力方面常常面临局限。本综述探讨了微流控和三维培养系统在克服这些挑战及提高胚胎产量方面所带来的机遇。我们讨论了微流控的基本原理，强调了其固有的优势，如对流体流动的精确控制、试剂消耗的减少以及高通量能力。此外，我们深入研究了为配子操作、受精和胚胎培养设计的微流控装置，突出了基于微滴的微流控和芯片上监测等创新技术。接下来，我们探讨三维培养系统的整合，包括仿生支架和芯片器官平台的应用，特别关注芯片输卵管。最后，我们讨论了这些先进系统在改善胚胎生产结果及推进我们对早期胚胎发育理解方面的潜力。通过利用微流控和三维培养系统的独特能力，我们预见胚胎生产在效率、有效性和临床成功率方面将取得重大进展。
