Importance

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Abstract

Devices and methods are provided to facilitate the rapid, accurate analysis of a sample having cells characterized by their motility. The devices feature a solid substrate microfabricated to define a flow system including one or more ports or chambers, connected by elongate channels of various shapes having a mescoscale cross-sectional dimension on the order of 0.1 .mu.m to 1000 .mu.m. In one embodiment, the devices are fitted with various flow-regulating features to facilitate unimpeded movement of the motile cells of interest along the flow channels. In another embodiment, devices are provided for conducting replicate motile cell assays, or for conducting a series of different assays using a single test sample. In another embodiment, preparative devices are provided for separating and collecting selected motile cell types of interest. In another embodiment, a device designed for performing an in vitro fertilization is provided in a portable incubator, which maintains the in vitro fertilization under optimum conditions. The devices of the invention may be used in a wide range of applications, and are particularly applicable for analyses and preparation of sperm, as well as in vitro fertilization. The devices and methods of the invention are also suitable for various analyses of a wide variety of motile cells, such as motile microorganisms and chemotactic cells, and can be used in clinical tests as well as laboratory and field tests.

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First Claim