Genetic Microinjection Robot

The injection of microscopic objects such as cells or embryos enables a wide range of genetic applications including in vitro fertilization. The process requires highly skilled technicians, but what if the process could be fully automated using a trained robot? We’ll explore in the U.S. National Science Foundation’s “Discovery Files”.
Microinjection is a technique for introducing DNA, chemicals, or other material directly into embryos, tissues, or cells using a very fine pipette. It is commonly used for in vitro fertilization, genetic research, and in the treatment of diseases during gene therapy, but the success of microinjection is highly dependent on the abilities of trained technicians.
NSF-supported researchers at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities have constructed a robot that uses machine learning and computer vision to fully automate the complicated microinjection process used in genetics research.
This automated robot has successfully been able to identify the embryos of fruit flies and zebrafish and manipulate the genetics of these multicellular organisms, in a fully automated process.
The technological leap will allow labs to more easily conduct new, large-scale genetic experiments that were not previously possible using manual techniques.
Beyond genetic experiments, the microinjection robot could also help to preserve endangered species through cryopreservation, a preservation technique conducted at ultra-low temperatures.
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Thumbnail Photo Credit: Andrew Alegria, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities