OPTICAL MANIPULATIONS OF HUMAN GAMETES

Optical manipulations of human gametes are described indicating their potential for use in in vitro fertilization and preimplantation-assist ed zona pellucida hatching. Successful manipulations are demonstrated using focused laser beams in association with microscopy. The microman ipulation and selection of male gametes were achieved using an optical -trapping infrared laser diode. The opening of the zona pellucida surr ounding the egg (assisted hatching) was performed using a pulsed, nitr ogen-pumped dye laser Clinical applications for laser-assisted reprodu ction techniques are discussed.