Experimental measurement of human oocyte mechanical properties on a micro and nanoforce sensing platform based on magnetic springs

This article presents a new micro and nanoforce sensor used to perform a mechanical characterisation of human oocytes. This device is based on the use of low-stiffness magnetic springs. The oocytes to be characterised are placed on a force-sensitive platform. A manipulator equipped with a standard micropipette is used to mechanically compress the oocyte. Some complete ``force-compression length'' curves associated with mechanical load-unload cycles are given. These curves show the linear, the non-linear and also the plastic mechanical behaviour of the oocytes. These characterisations must be considered as a preliminary result which illustrates that the mechanical variability and the mechanical evolution of human oocytes during their maturation process can be observed with a force sensor based on magnetic springs. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.