Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Quantum Dots Enhance In Vitro Fertilization and Early Embryo Development by Improving Sperm...

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Nanotechnology
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (NCQDs) have unique optical properties and potential bioactivity.
• Their impact on reproductive cells and early embryonic development is largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of NCQDs on sperm function, fertilization, and in vitro embryo development in mice.
• To understand the dose-dependent and stage-specific influences of NCQDs on reproductive outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a mouse model for in vitro studies.
• Assessed sperm parameters (motility, survival, capacitation) using computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA).
• Evaluated fertilization rates, early embryonic development, blastocyst formation, and gene expression (Oct4, Cdx2, Tead2, Atf6, Chop).

Main Results:

• Low concentration (10 µg/mL) NCQDs improved sperm motility, survival, and capacitation, increasing fertilization rates.
• Enhanced early embryonic development to the morula stage.
• Delayed blastocyst formation and reduced pluripotency and trophectoderm markers.
• Increased endoplasmic reticulum stress markers in morula-stage embryos.

Conclusions:

• NCQDs exhibit a biphasic effect: promoting sperm activation and early cleavage but inhibiting later differentiation.
• Prolonged NCQD exposure can induce cellular stress, potentially interfering with lineage specification.
• Optimized NCQD dosage and exposure timing are crucial for safe application in reproductive contexts.