Machine learning-powered robot streamlines genetic research process

Machine learning-powered robot streamlines genetic research process

Researchers at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities have constructed a robot that uses machine learning to fully automate a complicated microinjection process used in genetic research.

In their experiments, the researchers were able to use this automated robot to manipulate the genetics of multicellular organisms, including fruit fly and zebrafish embryos. The technology will save laboratories time and money while allowing them to more easily conduct new, large-scale genetic experiments that were previously not possible using manual techniques

The research is featured on the cover of the April 2024 issueGENETICSa peer-reviewed, open-access scientific journal. The work was co-led by University of Minnesota mechanical engineering students Andrew Alegria and Amey Joshi. The team is also working on commercializing this technology to make it widely available through the University of Minnesota startup Objective Biotechnology.

Microinjection is a method of introducing cells, genetic material, or other agents directly into embryos, cells, or tissue using a very fine pipette. The researchers trained the robot to recognize embryos that are one hundredth the size of a grain of rice. Once detected, the machine can calculate a path and automate the injection process.

This new procedure is more robust and reproducible than manual injections. This model will enable individual laboratories to imagine new experiments that would not be possible without this type of technology.”

Suhasa Kodandaramaiah, associate professor of mechanical engineering and senior author of the study, University of Minnesota

Typically, this type of research requires highly trained technicians to perform the microinjection, which many laboratories do not have. This new technology could expand the ability to conduct large experiments in laboratories while reducing time and costs.

"This is very exciting for the world of genetics. Writing and reading DNA has improved dramatically in recent years, but this technology will expand our ability to conduct large-scale genetic experiments on a variety of organisms," said Daryl Gohl, a co-author of the study, group leader of the University of Minnesota Genomics Center's Innovation Lab and research assistant professor in the Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development.

In addition to being used in genetic experiments, this technology can also help conserve endangered species through cryopreservation, a preservation technique carried out at extremely low temperatures.

“With this robot, you can inject nanoparticles into cells and tissues, which helps in cryopreservation and the subsequent rewarming process,” Kodandaramaiah explained.

Other team members highlighted other applications of the technology that could have even greater impact.

“We hope that this technology could eventually be used for in vitro fertilization, where you could detect these eggs on a microscale,” said Andrew Alegria, co-lead author of the paper and a research associate in biosensing at the University of Minnesota Mechanical Engineering and Biorobotics Laboratory.

In addition to Kodandaramaiah, Gohl, Alegria and Joshi, the team included several researchers from the University of Minnesota's College of Science and Engineering and the University of Minnesota Genomics Center's Innovation Lab. The team recently won the university's Walleye Tank life science competition. This life science pitch competition provides educational and promotional opportunities for emerging and established medical and life science companies.

This research was conducted in collaboration with the Engineering Research Center for Advanced Technologies for the Preservation of Biological Systems (ATP-Bio) and the University of Minnesota Zebrafish Core.

The work was funded by the National Institutes of Health, Minnesota Sea Grant and the National Science Foundation. Additional support was provided by the University of Minnesota Diversity of Views and Experiences (DOVE) grant and the Minnesota’s Discovery, Research, and Innovation Economy (MnDRIVE) grant from the University of Minnesota Informatics Institute (UMII).

Sources: