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Author Spotlight: Advancing Therapeutic Strategies for Improving Pregnancy Rates by Analyzing Embryo-Endometrium Interactions
Published on: June 21, 2024
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Making and selecting the best embryo in the laboratory
David K Gardner1, Denny Sakkas2
1Melbourne IVF, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Fertility and Sterility
|December 15, 2022
Summary
Advances in in vitro fertilization (IVF) include improved embryo culture systems and artificial intelligence for assessing embryo viability. These innovations promise more effective and accessible infertility treatments worldwide.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Biotechnology
- Medical Technology
Background:
- Human embryo culture in vitro has significantly improved over 40 years, increasing implantation rates and enabling single blastocyst transfer.
- This progress has reduced high-order multiple gestations, shifting focus towards optimizing individual embryo development and selection.
- Current static culture methods may be superseded by dynamic, perfusion-based systems enabled by microfabrication and 3D printing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore future advancements in assisted reproductive technology (ART) beyond current media formulations.
- To highlight the potential of dynamic perfusion systems and microfabricated devices in improving ART outcomes.
- To emphasize the role of quantitative biomarkers and artificial intelligence in enhancing embryo selection and reducing pregnancy loss.
Main Methods:
- Review of current and emerging technologies in human embryo culture, including static vs. dynamic systems.
- Discussion of microfabrication and 3D printing applications in ART devices for procedures like intracytoplasmic sperm injection and cryopreservation.
- Exploration of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms integrating multi-modal data (metabolomics, cell-free DNA, morphokinetics) for embryo assessment.
Main Results:
- Breakthroughs in 3D printing and microfabrication enable dynamic perfusion culture systems for embryos.
- AI-driven algorithms integrating diverse data types show potential for superior embryo selection compared to image analysis alone.
- Quantitative biomarkers and advanced culture systems are expected to improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce time to pregnancy.
Conclusions:
- Future ART success hinges on innovative embryo culture systems, including dynamic perfusion and advanced media.
- Integrating multi-omic data with AI offers a powerful approach to predict embryo viability and improve success rates.
- Technological advancements in ART are poised to increase effectiveness, reduce costs, and expand global access to infertility treatments.
