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Microwells support high-resolution time-lapse imaging and development of preimplanted mouse embryos.
Yu-Hsiang Chung1, Yi-Hsing Hsiao1, Wei-Lun Kao1
1Institute of Nanoengineering and Microsystems, National Tsing Hua University , 30013 Hsinchu, Taiwan.
Biomicrofluidics
|May 28, 2015
Summary
A new microwell platform enables individual embryo culture, improving in vitro fertilization research. This technology accurately predicts embryo development and supports successful live births in mice.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Developmental biology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Embryo culture environment significantly impacts in vitro fertilization (IVF) success rates.
- Understanding the biochemical, physical, and genetic factors influencing preimplantation embryo development is crucial.
- Conventional methods limit individual embryo microenvironment investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel open microwell platform for individual embryo culture.
- To enable non-invasive, high-resolution time-lapse microscopy of single embryos.
- To assess the platform's efficacy in supporting embryo development and predicting developmental competence.
Main Methods:
- Designed an open microwell platform enabling culture in defined sub-microliter volumes.
- Utilized oil layering to isolate fluidic environments of individual microwells.
- Performed non-invasive, high-resolution time-lapse microscopy for data collection.
- Cultured mouse embryos from the two-cell stage to hatched blastocysts.
Main Results:
- Achieved an 89% success rate in culturing mouse embryos to hatched blastocysts.
- Demonstrated statistically significant differences in development timings between successful and unsuccessful blastocysts.
- Showed high sensitivity (94%) and specificity (100%) in predicting blastocyst formation based on development timings.
- Reported successful live births (68% for blastocysts, 40% for cleavage-stage embryos) following transfer to surrogate mothers.
Conclusions:
- The microwell platform supports preimplantation embryo development with high success rates.
- Development timings are robust indicators of embryo competence for blastocyst formation.
- The low-cost, easy-to-operate platform offers significant potential for reproductive medicine and cell biology research.
