The University of Minnesota Twin Cities researchers have developed a robot using machine learning to automate a complex microinjection process crucial for genetic research. By using this robot, researchers were able to manipulate the genetics of multicellular organisms such as fruit fly and zebrafish embryos. This technology will save labs time and money while also allowing them to conduct large-scale genetic experiments that were not feasible with manual techniques. The research has been published in the April 2024 issue of GENETICS, a peer-reviewed scientific journal, and the team is working on commercializing the technology through a University of Minnesota start-up company, Objective Biotechnology.
Microinjection involves introducing cells, genetic material, or other agents directly into embryos, cells, or tissues using a thin pipette. The researchers have trained the robot to accurately detect tiny embryos and calculate a path for automated injections. This new process is more reproducible and robust compared to manual injections, making it easier for individual laboratories to think of new experiments that were previously not possible. This technology could revolutionize the field of genetics by enabling labs to perform large experiments more easily, ultimately reducing time and costs associated with genetic research.
Traditionally, highly skilled technicians are required to perform microinjection, which many labs lack. With this new technology, labs can expand their capability to perform large experiments while also reducing the need for skilled personnel. The ability to automate this process opens up numerous possibilities for conducting genetic experiments in a wide range of organisms. Daryl Gohl, a co-author of the study, highlighted the significance of this technology in advancing genetics research by enhancing the ability to conduct large-scale experiments in various organisms.
In addition to genetic research, the automated microinjection technology has potential applications in cryopreservation, a preservation technique carried out at extremely low temperatures. By using the robot to inject nanoparticles into cells and tissues, it can aid in cryopreservation and subsequent rewarming processes. The team also envisions other potential applications for the technology, such as in vitro fertilization, where the robot’s ability to detect eggs at the microscale level could be beneficial. This technology has the potential to significantly impact various fields beyond genetics research, demonstrating its versatility and potential for widespread use.
The development of this automated microinjection robot represents a significant advancement in genetic research and related fields. By streamlining the microinjection process and making it more accessible to laboratories, researchers can now conduct large-scale genetic experiments with greater ease and efficiency. This technology not only saves time and costs but also opens up possibilities for new types of experiments that were previously challenging to perform manually. The team’s efforts to commercialize the technology through a start-up company will make it widely available, further enhancing its impact and potential for innovation in genetics and other related areas.
