Interferometric Oocyte Maturity Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional IVF methods lack a non-invasive way to determine oocyte maturity within cumulus-oocyte complexes without damaging the oocytes or cumulus cells, as existing microscopes and 3D imaging techniques are invasive and irreversible, leading to the discard of immature oocytes.
Innovation Solution
A short-coherence spectral domain interferometer system using near-infrared light to assess oocyte maturity non-invasively, generating interferometric images without denuding cumulus cells, with a wavelength of 800-1000 micrometers and power of no more than 5 milliwatts to maintain oocyte viability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional microscopes are used to determine oocyte maturity, then the oocyte can be examined, but the cumulus cells block the view and prevent clear imaging of the oocyte
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary optical information (interferometric phase data) from the COC without physically removing the cumulus cells. The low-coherence interferometry technique allows light to penetrate the cumulus layer and retrieve oocyte maturity information (polar body presence) through optical sectioning, eliminating the need for denudation while maintaining imaging clarity.
2Measurement precision
If 3D image methods such as confocal microscopy or light sheet microscopy are used, then deep imaging is achieved, but the light intensity is too high and damages the COCs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the key optical parameter of coherence length to be short (low-coherence interferometry), which fundamentally alters how light interacts with the sample. This allows deep penetration through cumulus cells while using extremely low light intensity because the short coherence length provides inherent optical sectioning without requiring high-intensity illumination, thus preventing photodamage to the COCs.
3Measurement precision
If the cumulus cells are removed to check oocyte maturity, then the maturity can be determined, but the process is irreversible and immature oocytes must be abandoned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical denudation process with an optical measurement system. Low-coherence interferometry uses optical sectioning and phase analysis to non-invasively detect the polar body and determine oocyte maturity, eliminating the need for mechanical removal of cumulus cells and preserving oocyte viability and integrity.
4Productivity
If conventional methods are used, then the maturity check can be performed, but the number of oocytes is limited and any damage reduces the already scarce supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the COC to serve itself by allowing the cumulus cells to remain in place and continue their protective and supportive functions while the oocyte's maturity is determined optically. The cumulus-oocyte complex maintains its natural structure and self-regulation, with the interferometric technique simply reading information without disrupting the system's integrity.
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
The system accurately determines oocyte maturity with high resolution and safety, maintaining oocyte viability and allowing immature oocytes to develop, achieving an accuracy of 92% in distinguishing mature and immature oocytes without damaging the cumulus cells.
Implementation Method 1
generating a near infrared light with a light source... the near infrared light generated by the light source has a wavelength within the range of 800 micrometers to 1000 micrometers
Implementation Method 2
using a beam splitter to split the near infrared light into a signal light portion and a reference light portion
Implementation Method 3
collecting reflected and back scattered light from the signal light portion projected onto the biological target with a detector
Implementation Method 4
generating interferometric image data based upon the collected signal and reference light... accurately determines oocyte maturity with high resolution
Data Source
AI summary
An interferometric method and apparatus for the non-invasive assessment of oocyte maturity and competency. The method includes placing an oocyte in a sample holder to provide a biological target; generating a near infrared light; using a beam splitter to split the near infrared light into a signal light portion and a reference light portion; projecting the signal light portion onto the biological target; collecting reflected and back scattered light from the signal light portion projected onto the biological target with a detector; collecting at least a portion of the reference light portion with the detector; generating interferometric image data based upon the collected signal and reference light; and assessing the maturity of the oocyte based upon the interferometric data while maintaining the viability of the oocyte. When the oocyte is part of a cumulus-oocyte complex, the assessment is accomplished without removing cumulus cells from the cumulus-oocyte complex while maintaining viability.