Enhancing Bovine Embryo Development In Vitro Using Oil-in-Water Nanoemulsions as Specific Carriers for Essential...

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Reproductive Biology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Global meat demand drives innovation in animal reproduction.
• Advanced technologies are crucial for improving livestock efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate nanoemulsions (NEs) as lipid carriers for bovine embryos in culture.
• To assess the impact of NEs on in vitro embryo development.

Main Methods:

• Nanoemulsions (NEs) were fabricated using emulsification/evaporation and optimized via a central composite rotatable design (CCRD).
• NEs were characterized for physical properties (size, stability, morphology via AFM, etc.).
• Optimized NE formulations were added to bovine embryo culture media during the embryonic genome activation phase.

Main Results:

• Optimized NEs exhibited high physical stability (ESI 0.046–0.086) and a mean droplet diameter of 70–80 nm.
• AFM confirmed spherical NE morphology with diameters <100 nm, suitable for potential passage through the zona pellucida.
• Incorporation of NEs significantly enhanced early bovine embryonic development.

Conclusions:

• Nanoemulsions are effective lipid delivery systems for bovine embryos.
• NEs show potential for improving in vitro embryo production outcomes.
• This technology supports advancements in assisted reproductive technologies for cattle breeding.