In the field of in vitro fertilisation (IVF), there is a need to understand how cell properties of the cumulus oocyte complex may be used to predict successful pregnancy and live birth rates post-IVF. Here we used optical tweezers for the first time to measure the viscosity of the cumulus cell matrix surrounding the oocyte (egg). This study aimed to determine whether the viscosity of the cumulus cell matrix – prior to fertilisation – is reflective of subsequent embryo developmental potential and indicative of pregnancy success.
Measurements were performed using a 1µm diameter silica probe particle trapped by a focused 1064nm laser. We benchmarked the accuracy of the system by measuring the viscosity of glycerol with varying mass fractions. Viscosity measurements of the cumulus cell matrix were performed in isolation from both the cumulus cells and the oocyte. This showed that the viscosity of cumulus matrix was significantly higher when sampled from oocytes with a higher developmental potential (in vivo matured) compared to those of lower quality (in vitro matured).
This talk will introduce a novel, recently developed, instrument that combines light sheet microscopy, optical trapping and multiplane imaging in a single platform capable of imaging 3D cultures of live cell over long time courses and mapping to these images the local mechanical properties of the material surrounding the cells. The presentation will highlight the wide-range of samples this instrument can study and discuss the analysis involved to evaluate the rheological properties of the material when either the trapping potential or the samples are non-isotropic.
We present a bespoke new instrument for micro-mechanical sensing and imaging of 3D cell cultures. Our instrument combines optical tweezers and multiplane imaging for 3D optical microrheology, with light sheet microscopy for 3D fluorescence imaging. This integrated system allows us to visualise cells in their 3D environment while also mapping the physical properties of the extracellular matrix local to the cells. Such a holistic approach will allow for a wide range of fundamental questions in the life sciences to be addressed by effectively sensing the micro-world from a cell’s perspective.
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