In IVF (In vitro fertilization), many growth factors are released to the culture medium during embryo culture. However, the available volume of the culture medium is very small, only about 5 microliters, Those growth factors in the single-embryo culture medium cannot be measured by conventional detection methods, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Lin-Kou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital cooperates with NCTU, an Embryo Cytokine Meter with ultra-low sample requirement is developed by digital microfluidic technique.
We successfully obtain the concentrations of several growth factors on different embryo culture days, such as Human IL-1β and the Human TNF-α. This technology enables researchers to understand the conditions of different growth factors during embryo development in culture stage to improve the technology of IVF. For example, it has the potential to identify the most suitable embryo to implant, and improve the pregnancy rate.

Currently, there is no equipment on the market for measuring embryo secretion factors in the embryo culture medium. Our technology can detect<40 min; sample volume< 1μL, and the limit of detection～2.1 pg/mL. While the existing method (e.g. ELISA kit, Flow CytoMetry ) needs a longer time and larger volume to detect. This device also has the potential to detect biomarkers for other clinical applications.

Currently, immunoassay technologies are unable to reach this degree. It is hoped that there will be a breakthrough contribution to the clinical application of artificial in vitro fertilization and even a further application to a variety of different biomarkers for simultaneous and rapid detection of other targets. Furthermore, to achieve a general digital microfluidic fluorescent immunoassay platform that helps early screening of the diseases.