Applications of Microfluidics for In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Culture

Author(s):  
Vinod Kumar Yata
Author(s):  
O. M. Sharan ◽  
V. Yu. Stefanyk ◽  
S. G. Shalovylo

New literature data on research aimed at improving the in vitro production of sheep embryos presents in the article. An analysis of the achievements of scientists from different countries to increase the efficiency of the main stages of embryo production in vitro: maturation of oocytes in vitro, their in vitro fertilization and in vitro embryo culture. In the literature experience has shown that the efficiency of oocyte maturation in vitro is significantly influenced by the experience and qualifications of scientists, the age of the egg donor, the improvement of the environment by adding roscovitin to inhibit meiosis, α-linolenic acid, cerium dioxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) and sericin to accelerate nuclear maturation and increase the number of oocytes of the second meiotic metaphase (MII). The main factors influencing the effectiveness of in vitro fertilization have been identified, and the parameters of the limited time of fertilization ability of sperm and the ability of oocytes to fertilize, which is called the “fertile span”, have been determined. The main effective medium that increases the effectiveness of in vitro fertilization – synthetic oviduct fluid (SOF) with the addition of heparin and serum of cattle or sheep. The main parameters of sheep embryo culture in vitro are presented with the definition of the most commonly used media and their influence on embryonic development. Potential ways to improve the production of sheep embryos in vitro with the determination of morphological evaluation of categories of oocytes, methods of synchronization of their maturation in vitro are also highlighted. At the same time, literature data on the synchronization of oocyte-cumulus complexes with the use of a large number of inhibitors of meiotic division are presented, which according to many scientists may be a key factor in improving the efficiency of sheep embryo production in vitro. In addition, the results of studies of many scientists on the expansion of the fertile gap of oocytes of sheep cultured in vitro using certain biologically active substances were analyzed. In conclusion, the prospect of using the technology of in vitro production of sheep embryos in biomedical research is highlighted.


1999 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 465-469 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. C.M. Dumoulin ◽  
C. J.J. Meijers ◽  
M. Bras ◽  
E. Coonen ◽  
J. P.M. Geraedts ◽  
...  

PLoS ONE ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. e9218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia Fauque ◽  
Françoise Mondon ◽  
Franck Letourneur ◽  
Marie-Anne Ripoche ◽  
Laurent Journot ◽  
...  

2014 ◽  
Vol 101-102 ◽  
pp. 48
Author(s):  
Tímea Judith Csabai ◽  
Júlia Szekeres-Barthó ◽  
Zoltán Bognár ◽  
Zsuzsanna Csizmadia ◽  
Beáta Polgár

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Picou ◽  
K Silverberg ◽  
M VerMilyea

Abstract Study question Does patient access to time-lapse technology improve their cycle experience or is it simply perceived as another add-on? Summary answer Patients reported increased satisfaction and transparency in IVF treatment after viewing videos of their embryos growing. What is known already It is widely assumed that In-vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatments are costly and stressful for intended parents. During an IVF cycle, patients are often provided with minimal information regarding their embryo growth milestones, -and no static images of embryos for their personal retention. Time-lapse technology provides a method to visualize embryos continuously without disruption to the embryo’s growth cycle. Many time-lapse studies have focused on the potential benefits associated with non-invasive embryo selection, but very few have entertained the idea about how this technology could be used to improve patient engagement and education pertaining to their cycle. Study design, size, duration An anonymous survey was conducted which included 192 patients over 8 months. This survey study focused on responses of patients after viewing time-lapse videos from all of their embryos in culture. Embryo video updates were provided to the patients on Day 3 and Day 7 of embryo culture. Patients received two surveys: One prior to egg retrieval and a second after receiving all of their embryo culture videos at the completion of their cycle. Participants/materials, setting, methods Patients at a private IVF clinic were able to self-elect enrollment in the survey-study at the start of their cycle. Embryos were cultured in CSCM-NX (FujiFilm Irvine Scientific) in the Geri Time-Lapse incubator (Genea BioMedx) for up to 7 days. Development was monitored according to standard lab protocol and embryos were vitrified or biopsied accordingly. Patients were provided access to videos electronically with a brief summary and a follow-up phone call the following day. Main results and the role of chance 192 patients participated in the initial assessment survey at the start of their IVF cycle. 155 of these patients then partook in the survey at the completion of their cycle. 98% of patients completing the survey prior to their cycle felt that being able to view the videos of their growing embryos on Day 3 and Day 7 would add value to their IVF experience. Nearly all (97%) respondents felt that watching videos of their embryos in culture added transparency regarding embryo development and the laboratory environment. In the survey at the completion of the cycle, 96.8% (150) of participants reported that access to the videos added no additional stress to their IVF process. Very few (3.9%) reported that they were not happy with the quality of their videos. 142 (91.6%) participants reported that the embryo updates they received correlated with what they observed in their videos. Transparency in the laboratory through video viewing was reported by 93.5% of patients. In the feedback/comments portion, many noted that they were grateful for the experience and enjoyed participating in the study. Despite such high reviews of the technology and personal involvement, there was marginal interest in paying a premium for this service. Limitations, reasons for caution Patient responses were limited to a yes or no answers. Patients agreed to complete the two questionnaires, but they were not required to do so. Since there was no enforcement of survey completion, this could account for some of the discrepancy in study start. Wider implications of the findings: Patients noted that they enjoyed the experience of watching their embryos develop near-real-time but did not feel it necessary for success. The majority stated that viewing the videos fostered their emotional attachment to their embryos. It is possible that the increased transparency leads to less anxiety and more patient trust. Trial registration number N/A


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