Noncontact, laser-mediated extraction of polar bodies for prefertilization genetic diagnosis.

Purpose: We tested an entirely noncontact polar body-extraction method using an ultraviolet laser beam for laser zona drilling and a near infrared laser beam for polar body (PB) trapping and extraction.

Methods: A hole was drilled into the zona pellucida of an oocyte. Then, the PB was trapped with optical tweezers and dragged through the drilled hole.

Laser microdissection as a new approach to prefertilization genetic diagnosis.

The genetic status of oocytes can be determined by polar body (PB) analysis. Following PB extraction, a genetic evaluation is performed. As each PB contains the complementary genetic material of the oocyte, PB analysis reveals information about its genetic status.

Fertilization of bovine oocytes induced solely with combined laser microbeam and optical tweezers.

Purpose: Our purpose was to show that fertilization of oocytes can be obtained solely by laser light-mediated manipulation of gametes.

Method: A small channel was drilled into the zona pellucida of bovine oocytes using an ultraviolet (UV)-laser microbeam. Highly diluted cattle sperm were not able to fertilize the laser drilled oocytes.

Catch and move--cut or fuse.

Still almost unbelievable, but true: light exerts force. With these forces it is indeed possible to catch and move cells or small particles and microsurgically to process them without any mechanical contact. As if by magic, objects are moved via focused laser light.

Zona drilling and sperm insertion with combined laser microbeam and optical tweezers.

A combined UV-laser microbeam and optical-tweezers trap was used to perform laser zona drilling and subzonal insemination in cattle. Using a precisely focused UV-laser microbeam, a small channel of about 10 microns in diameter was drilled into the zona pellucida. With a three-dimensional optical-tweezers trap, a single sperm was caught and transported through the laser-drilled hole directly into the perivitelline space.