Abstract
In this study, a droplet-based dielectrophoretic (DEP) microfluidic biochip has been used for in vitro fertilization (IVF) to improve the fertility rate. We applied a design to manipulate the oocyte and concentrate the sperm concentration in our microfluidic channel by the positive dielectrophoretic (p-DEP) force and to encapsulate the sample into a droplet. Our DEP microfluidic IVF devices were fabricated by using poly (dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) and ITO-glass electrodes. As a result, the fertility rate could be increased about 5% higher with DEP treated than traditional IVF and even more than 20% developed to blastocyst stage with lower sperm-oocyte ratio.