Embryo Selection Using Oxygen Consumption and Cleavage Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for selecting mammalian embryos for high conception rates through in vitro culture are inefficient due to low conception rates and reliance on morphological observation alone, which does not effectively account for embryonic growth processes and differential management of individual embryos.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the selection of embryos based on multiple indicators such as time from fertilization to first cleavage, morphology at specific stages, and oxygen consumption at the early blastocyst, blastocyst, or expanded blastocyst stage, using a combination of indicators to predict embryos with high conception rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If embryos are cultured using conventional in vitro methods, then embryo production is achieved, but conception rates remain low (40-50% in cattle, 25-35% in humans)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by measuring oxygen consumption at multiple specific time points during embryonic development (2-cell stage, 4-cell stage, 8-cell stage, and blastocyst stage) before implantation. These preliminary measurements allow prediction of conception rates in advance, enabling selection of embryos with high conception potential before the actual implantation process, thus resolving the contradiction between embryo production and conception success rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using measured oxygen consumption data to evaluate embryo quality and predict conception rates. The system continuously monitors oxygen consumption at different developmental stages, compares these measurements against established criteria, and provides feedback on which embryos are most likely to result in successful pregnancies, thereby improving the reliability of embryo selection while maintaining production efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If multiple indicators including oxygen consumption are measured to select embryos, then conception rate prediction accuracy improves, but measurement complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by utilizing the embryo's own metabolic activity (oxygen consumption) as the measurement parameter. The embryos themselves provide the measurement signal through their natural respiration process, eliminating the need for complex external interventions or invasive procedures. This approach achieves high measurement precision while keeping the measurement system relatively simple, as it relies on detecting a naturally occurring physiological parameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by monitoring oxygen consumption levels across different developmental stages (2-cell, 4-cell, 8-cell, and blastocyst stages). Instead of using a single complex measurement, the system tracks changes in oxygen consumption parameters over time, allowing accurate prediction of conception rates through temporal parameter variation analysis, thereby balancing measurement precision with system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If conventional droplet culture method is used, then embryo culture is simplified, but differential management of individual embryos is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by transitioning from collective droplet culture to individual well-based culture. Each embryo is placed in a separate well, allowing individual monitoring and management. This segmentation enables the system to capture individual embryo growth data, oxygen consumption patterns, and developmental trajectories, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and information retention by organizing embryos into discrete, individually trackable units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces another dimension by adding temporal monitoring at multiple developmental stages to the spatial organization of embryos in individual wells. This multi-dimensional approach (spatial separation in wells plus temporal measurements at 2-cell, 4-cell, 8-cell, and blastocyst stages) enables comprehensive individual embryo assessment while maintaining manageable operational procedures, thus balancing ease of operation with information preservation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for the efficient selection of mammalian embryos with high conception rates by analyzing specific developmental stages and oxygen consumption, significantly improving conception success rates compared to conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
the amount of oxygen consumed at the early blastocyst stage, the blastocyst stage, or the expanded blastocyst stage
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide a method for efficiently obtaining mammalian embryos having high conception rates. A first aspect of the present invention is a method for selecting a mammalian embryo prepared by in vitro culture from a fertilized egg, comprising a step of selecting an embryo using two or more of the following indicators: the time from fertilization to the completion of first cleavage; the morphology at a stage after first cleavage and before second cleavage; the morphology at a stage after third cleavage and before fourth cleavage; and the amount of oxygen consumed at the early blastocyst stage, the blastocyst stage, or the expanded blastocyst stage.