A Semi-autonomous Injection System for Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is an important procedure in reproductive technology to help couples with infertility problems. Presently, the ICSI procedure suffers from a long learning curve, low success rates and reproducibility, and inconsistency among technicians. In this project, a novel automated microinjection system for human ICSI will be developed. The system will integrate micro devices, computer vision algorithms, and microrobotic control techniques to rapidly immobilize multiple egg cells, automatically capture swimming sperms, and perform automated injection with a high degree of reproducibility and minimal human intervention. The system will dramatically increase the success rates and consistency of ICSI. The intern will develop technologies with the industrial partner, Marksman Cellject Inc. and quantitatively evaluate system performance at the Toronto Center for Advanced Reproductive Technology (TCART).

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Jean Zu

Student:

Lu Zhe

Partner:

Marksman Cellject Inc.

Discipline:

Engineering - biomedical

Sector:

Life sciences

University:

University of Toronto