Magnetic Micromotors in Assisted Reproductive Technology

Micromotors – untethered, motile, microscopic devices – are implemented in this dissertation for two applications in the field of assisted reproductive technology. First, as synthetic motor units for individual sperm cells, representing a novel approach to counteract sperm immotility (asthenozoospermia), which is one of the most prevalent causes of male infertility. Second, as synthetic carriers of fertilized oocytes (zygotes) towards the realization of non-invasive intrafallopian transfer, representing a novel alternative to the current keyhole surgery (laparoscopy) approach to achieve early embryo transfer after in vitro fertilization. In both applications, magnetically actuated micromotors are utilized to capture, transport, and deliver individual cells in a reproducible, controllable manner. In comparison with established in vitro fertilization routines, the crucial advantage of employing micromotors for the manipulation of gametes, i.e. sperm and (fertilized) oocytes, lies in the potential transfer of decisive steps of the fertilization process back to its natural environment – the fallopian tube of the female patient – taking advantage of the untethered, non-invasive motion and manipulation capabilities of magnetic micromotors. When sperm motility can be restored with magnetic micromotors, sperm can travel to the oocyte under external actuation and control, and the oocyte does not need to be explanted for in vitro fertilization. However, if in vitro fertilization was necessary, fertilized oocytes can be transferred back to the fallopian tube by micromotors in a non-invasive manner, to undergo early embryo development in the natural environment. These novel concepts of micromotor-assisted reproduction are presented and investigated in this thesis, and their potential is analyzed on the basis of proof-of-concept experiments.

Level thesis:degree_level

thesis.doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher

Technische Universität Chemnitz

Year

2020

Author dc:creator

• Schwarz, Lukas

Contributors dc:contributor

• Schmidt, Oliver G.
• Friedrich, Benjamin

• micromotor
• in vitro fertilization
• assisted reproductive technology
• 3D laser lithography