Selected molecular and microfluidic aspects of mammalian oocyte maturation-perspectives: a review

Maturation of oocytes is the most important stage, which determines the subsequent successful fertilization, zygote formation, attainment of blastocyst stage, normal embryo growth and development, as well as appropriate implantation. Since in some species of mammals the efficiency of IVM maturation is still very low, many studies have focused on new combinations of media supplements. In some species of mammals, including pigs, mice, bovines, goats and dogs, EGF, BSA, and progesterone are successfully used as an enhancer of the IVC system. Application of the Lab-on-Chip system in reproductive biology opens new possibilities for the development of techniques available for the assessment of the developmental competency or potency manifested by mammalian oocytes and embryos. In most cases, the Lab-on-Chip system was used in mice. However, an increasing number of examples are available in which the system has been applied to evaluate porcine and bovine gametes and embryos. In this article, the role of EGF, BSA and progesterone is described in relation to maturation efficiency of mammalian oocytes. Moreover, the possibilities of using microfluidics (Lab-on-Chip) for the detection of oocyte developmental competency are also shown.