Noninvasive Assessment of Embryo Viability In Vitro

Embryo transfer (ET) procedures have gained widespread usage in modern human and animalprograms of assisted reproduction. However, to optimize ET success rates, an objective test is neededto accurately determine the viability of individual preimplantation embryos: l) following embryo collection,2) after conducting various procedures of assisted reproduction (IVM/IVF/cryopreservation), and 3) priorto transfer to a synchronized recipient. Our short-term goal is to design, produce and test a portable,high-resolution, prototype system that is capable of performing a rapid, non-invasive assessment of theviability of a single mammalian embryo in vitro. Our working hypothesis states that embryo oxygenconsumption (QO2 = respiration) is a direct measure of that embryo's potential to survive in vivofollowing ET. The future potential of this research is to commercialize a novel, high-resolution,micro-respiration apparatus that is capable of predicting the "viability" of an individual oocyte/embryo.By directly testing the sensitivity, resolution and user-friendly nature of this technology, results of thisPhase I project will define the applicability of the technology, and will provide the necessary technicalbasis to support a Phase II application to further modify and field-test the "embryo viability system" forcommercialization.