Omni-directional actuation of magnetically driven microtool for enucleation of oocyte

Abstract

We developed a magnetically driven microtool(MMT) used in a microfluidic chip for enucleation of oocyte. Size of the tool was greatly reduced compared with that of the conventional mechanical micromanipulator and was installed in a microfluidic chip. We succeeded in precise positioning of the tool (5 ¿m) with low disturbances. The tool is actuated noncontact by the magnetic force, therefore, the microfluidic chip part is fully disposable with low cost. Based on the novel and original design, we integrated a Robot-on-a-Chip (Robochip) and demonstrated on-chip enucleation of oocyte.