Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026
Human Blastocyst Biopsy and Vitrification
Published on: July 26, 2019
Offspring after embryo-preserving biopsy of the embryoblast with standard ICSI equipment in mouse blastocysts
Ralf Dittrich1, Laura Lotz, Wolfgang Würfel
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erlangen University Hospital, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Universitaetsstrasse 21-23, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany. ralf.dittrich@uk-erlangen.de
Background/Aim:
Obtaining human embryonic stem cell lines has so far involved destroying the embryos. This has given rise to ethical concerns and is not permitted in most countries. This investigation tested whether removing multiple cells from blastocysts might allow continued embryonic development.
Materials And Methods:
A total of 40 blastocysts from a black mouse strain were biopsied. The mouse blastocysts were fixed with a holding pipette. The zona pellucida and trophectoderm layer were penetrated with an injection pipette, and cells from the inner cell mass (ICM) were aspirated. The pipette was removed and the ICM cells were transferred into a medium.
Results:
The blastocysts collapsed after pipette removal and were allowed to regenerate for 6 h. Twenty-four blastocysts recovered, expanded and were implanted into four white surrogate mothers. One surrogate mother gave birth to two black pups.
Conclusion:
This experiment demonstrates that nondestructive blastocyst biopsy from the ICM is possible in mice.
