Predicting and Improving Embryo and Oocyte Viability Through Mechanical Measurements and Biomarkers

Stanford researchers have developed a quantitative, noninvasive, and early predictor of viability at the early embryo and oocyte stage using mechanical biomarkers. Embryo and oocyte viability can be predicted within 1 day after fertilization by applying a mechanical input to the outside of the cell and extracting mechanical parameters by observing the response of the cell. These mechanical parameters may then be used to rank a group of embryos by predicted viability, enabling a single most viable embryo to be transferred back to the patient. This technique will be very important in improving the success rates of in vitro fertilization (IVF) as well as reducing the risks of complications from multiple births.

Figure:

Figure description: (A) This shows how a mechanical input is applied to the outside of an embryo by partially aspirating it into a micropipette. The micropipette is part of an automated system which can apply a pressure through the pipette and record video of the resulting embryo aspiration. (B) The aspiration depth over time is extracted from the video in (A) and fit to a bulk mechanical model with viscous and elastic elements. The parameters extracted from this model are then used to predict an embryo's viability immediately after measurement.

Stage of Research:

Prototype completed- Once the user locates an embryo, the device can automatically apply a mechanical input to the embryo and record a video of its response.

Proof-of-principle at embryo stage has recently been completed. Mechanical parameters at 1-cell stage have been shown to be predictive of blastocyst formation as well as live birth in mouse embryos. They have also been shown to be predictive of blastocyst formation and quality in 1-cell human embryos.

Proof-of-principle is currently underway at oocyte stage.

Further device development is underway for future clinical use.