System and sequential culture media for in vitro fertilization

Abstract

Instead of immersing human reproductive cells in a single culture medium throughout the various procedures used in IVF, a process is provided by which the reproductive cells may be moved through a sequence of distinct culture media as the various IVF procedures are carried out. In one implementation, the culture media specifically formulated to provide a physical environment similar to that found within the female reproductive tract and conducive to growth and development of human reproductive cells during the various stages of the IVF process. In this regard, specifically formulated culture media can be applied to support the reproductive cells in one or more of the following procedures: oocyte retrieval and handling; oocyte maturation; ordinary fertilization; oocyte, zygote and embryo examination and biopsy; embryonic development to the eight-cell stage; embryonic development to the blastocyst stage; embryo transfer, and cryopreservation.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to human in vitro fertilization (IVF) and, in particular, to a sequential culture media system and process to be used in oocyte retrieval, handling and maturation, sperm preparation, fertilization, embryo development and transfer, and cryopreservation. The invention provides the gametes, zygote and developing embryo with a physical environment adapted to their physiological needs, so supporting their normal growth and development in vitro and increasing the likelihood of successful pregnancy. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In vitro fertilization seeks to duplicate, to a large extent, the conditions and processes normally occurring within the female reproductive system that are necessary to oocyte development, fertilization and early embryonic development. In the clinic and laboratory, IVF involves several discrete procedures, such as collection of the oocytes from the ovary of the mother, preparation of the sperm, fertili...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a method for improving the culture of human reproductive cells in vitro by using separate media formulated to meet the physiological needs of the different stages of the IVF process. The media are designed to promote the health and viability of the gametes, zygote, and embryo, and to support the processes necessary for fertilization and embryonic development. The media are also designed to minimize trauma to the reproductive cells as they are moved from one medium to another during the IVF process. The invention also includes the use of an oocyte retrieval and handling medium and an oocyte maturation medium for improved handling and development of the reproductive cells."

Problems solved by technology

Cleavage stage embryos, like the oocyte, are susceptible to loss of amino acids through their cell membranes when surrounded by an environment having a low concentration of such factors.

Such loss of internal amino acids can have devastating effects.

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