Cell Viability Detection via Alkaline-Resistant Electrical Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing oocyte viability during intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are inadequate, as they often damage the egg and rely on subjective visual inspection or require complex equipment, lacking a reliable and objective method for confirming cell membrane penetration and viability.
Innovation Solution
A detection apparatus comprising a measuring means for electrical properties and a sampling means with an electrically insulating component resistant to alkaline solutions, allowing for non-invasive assessment of cell viability and membrane piercing using electrical resistance measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, or fluorescent dyes are used to assess egg viability, then measurement precision is improved, but the egg is damaged or destroyed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/chemical assessment methods (electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, fluorescent dyes) with an electrical measurement system. The micropipette measures electrical properties (capacitance, resistance, impedance) of the oocyte membrane to assess viability, eliminating the need for damaging physical or chemical probes while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electrical field as an intermediary between the micropipette and the oocyte membrane. By measuring electrical properties through the membrane rather than physically penetrating or chemically staining it, the system obtains viability information without direct contact that would cause damage.
2Ease of operation
If light microscopy is used to inspect the egg during ICSI, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision of cell membrane penetration is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical microscopy with electrical measurement for confirming membrane penetration. The micropipette directly measures electrical properties that change when the membrane is penetrated, providing objective, real-time confirmation without relying on subjective visual assessment through light microscopy.
3Measurement precision
If aspiration of cytoplasm into the pipette is performed to confirm cell membrane penetration, then measurement precision is improved, but the cell is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical aspiration of cytoplasm with electrical measurement. By detecting changes in electrical properties (capacitance, resistance) across the membrane, the system confirms penetration without mechanically disturbing or damaging the cell contents through aspiration.
4Quantity of substance
If multiple egg retrieval cycles are performed to ensure sufficient viable eggs, then quantity of viable eggs is improved, but loss of time and increased cost occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary assessment of egg viability using electrical measurements immediately after egg retrieval, before ICSI procedures begin. This allows identification and selection of only the most viable eggs for injection, maximizing the utilization of retrieved eggs and reducing the need for additional retrieval cycles.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables reliable and reproducible determination of oocyte viability and membrane piercing without damaging the egg, facilitating more effective ICSI procedures and improving fertility assessment.
Implementation Method 1
measuring means for measuring an electrical property of a single biological cell
Implementation Method 2
an electrically insulating component located between said sampling means and said measuring means, containing therein an electrically conductive material, wherein said electrically insulating component has resistance to an alkaline solution of pH 8 to 11
Data Source
AI summary
Detection apparatus for testing biological cells, including a measuring means for measuring an electrical property of a single biological cell present in a solution, sampling means for sampling the solution, a membrane of the cell, and/or an intracellular fluid of the cell, and an electrically insulating component located between the sampling means and the measuring means, containing therein an electrically conductive material. where the electrically insulating component has resistance to an alkaline solution of pH 8 to 11, where the resistance to the alkaline solution includes resistance to formation of microcracks for at least 1 minute upon exposure to the alkaline solution, resistance to electrical insulation failure for at least 12 minutes upon exposure to the alkaline solution, and resistance to visible structural integrity failure for at least 20 minutes upon exposure to the alkaline solution.