Unique algorithm for the evaluation of embryo photon emission and viability

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Cell Biology
• Reproductive Science

Background:

• Living cells exhibit spontaneous ultra-weak photon emission (UPE) linked to metabolic processes.
• Detecting UPE requires highly sensitive equipment and controlled environments to exclude external light.
• Thermodynamics provides a framework to analyze energy exchange in biological systems, including embryos.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel method for detecting and analyzing ultra-weak photon emission from mouse embryos.
• To differentiate between living, degenerated, fresh, and frozen mouse embryos based on their UPE.
• To explore the potential of UPE analysis for creating an embryo control and selection system.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a highly sensitive ORCA-Quest CMOS camera with a microscope incubator to detect UPE from mouse embryos.
• Applied the second law of thermodynamics to distinguish between absorbed and emitted energy.
• Developed a unique algorithm to calculate the entropy-weighted spectral fractal dimension of emitted photons.

Main Results:

• The developed algorithm successfully analyzed the self-similar structure of energy (photons) emitted by embryos.
• Distinguished between living and degenerated mouse embryos based on UPE patterns.
• Differentiated between frozen and fresh embryos, as well as background noise, using UPE analysis.

Conclusions:

• Novel detection of ultra-weak photon emission from mouse embryos is feasible and informative.
• UPE analysis, particularly entropy-weighted spectral fractal dimension, can serve as a biomarker for embryo viability.
• This technique offers a foundation for developing a non-invasive photon emission embryo control system for selecting viable specimens.