| abstract |
Microfluidic systems are configured to process liquid samples that include cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs), such as raw follicular fluid, in an automated and continuous manner to produce oocytes separate or "denuded" from surrounding cumulus cells. The systems include a substrate and a channel that can have two or more sub-channels. Each channel includes an inlet, an outlet, and one or more stages arranged in series. Each of the stages includes one or more expansion units and one or more constriction units. At least one stage includes constriction units having jagged internal surfaces, e.g., teeth, that help remove the cumulus cells from the COCs. |