On-chip enucleation of oocyte using untetherd micro-robot with gripping mechanism

Abstract

We developed a highly functional untethered micro-robot that can manipulate cells with high gripping force in a micro-fluidic chip. The robot has gripping mechanism which is actuated by magnetic power. A permanent magnet is attached at the center of the gripping mechanism, and an electrical magnet controls the position of the magnet from the bottom of the micro-fluidic chip. The open-close accuracy of the gripper is about 3.0 μm. We succeeded in cutting of zona pelucida of oocyte and enucleation by using this micro-robot.