Lab on a chip automates in vitro cell culturing

Graphical abstractDisplay Omitted Highlights? The microbioreactor allows the continuous culturing of 12 embryos at a time. ? The device is mounted on a set-up which can automate culturing of six single chips. ? The media are handled by external valves and microfluidic networks. ? The device ensure T and pH control and continuous metabolic waste removal. ? We propose a controllable and efficient method in the reproductive technology. A novel in vitro fertilization system is presented based on an incubation chamber and a microfluidic device which serves as advanced microfluidic cultivation chamber. The flow is controlled by hydrostatic height differences and evaporation is avoided with help of mineral oil. Six patient compartments allow six simultaneous temperature and pH controlled cultivations with 12 embryos with continuous logging of the monitoring data. Two media can be controlled with help of opening or closing of openings at the microfluidic disposable devices. The flow rates through the single cell compartments can be controlled up to 20µl/h. A common pH electrode is supplied by 14µl sample, which is expanded with help of DI water.