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This thesis presents the development of a digital microfluidic system to achieve automated sample preparation for the vitrification of mammalian embryos for clinical in vitro fertilization (IVF) applications. This platform included micro devices fabrication, an imaging system, a high voltage control system, and a LabVIEW interface. Individual micro droplets manipulated on the digital microfluidic device were used as micro-vessels to transport a single embryo through a complete vitrification procedure. The device showed cell survival and development rates of 77% and 90%, respectively, which are comparable to the control groups that were manually processed. Technical advantages of this approach, compared to manual operation and channel-based microfluidic vitrification, include automated operation, cryoprotectant concentration gradient generation, and feasibility of loading and retrieval of embryos. |
