Microbiome Analysis for Bovine Embryo Transfer Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current in vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques for bovine embryo transfer face challenges in identifying suitable surrogate dams and maintaining pregnancy, with low success rates due to invasive procedures and limited diagnostic methods for assessing fertility and embryo implantation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The development of diagnostic test kits and microbiome supplementation methods that analyze vaginal bacterial profiles to predict the suitability of bovine surrogate dams for IVF, using specific bacterial species and ratios to enhance embryo implantation and pregnancy maintenance, involving the administration of targeted microbiota as vaginal supplements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If IVF techniques are used for embryo production, then the frequency of oocyte collection and genetic diversity are improved, but the procedure cost and invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by assessing surrogate dam fertility status before embryo transfer using diagnostic tools and microbiome analysis. This提前 identification of suitable surrogates (those with favorable vaginal microbiome profiles) allows for better selection and preparation, thereby improving IVF success rates while reducing the need for repeated invasive procedures on unsuitable animals.
2Productivity
If traditional in vivo embryo flushing techniques are used, then the procedure simplicity is maintained, but the embryo production quantity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using diagnostic test kits and microbiome profiling as intermediate assessment steps between the IVF procedure and embryo transfer. This intermediary layer of assessment (vaginal swab sampling, bacterial profile analysis) enables better matching of surrogates with embryos, improving production efficiency without significantly increasing procedural complexity at the point of transfer.
3Adaptability or versatility
If IVF embryo transfer is performed, then the genetic diversity is increased, but the pregnancy rate and embryo implantation success decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by shifting the assessment parameter from traditional physical examination (corpus luteum presence) to microbiome composition analysis. By evaluating the vaginal microbiome bacterial profiles as a key parameter, the system can identify surrogates with favorable conditions for embryo implantation, thereby improving pregnancy rates while maintaining the genetic diversity benefits of IVF.
4Measurement precision
If existing diagnostic methods based on corpus luteum presence are used, then the method simplicity is maintained, but the fertility assessment accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical diagnostic method (visual identification of corpus luteum) with a molecular/biological approach (microbiome sequencing and analysis). This substitution uses DNA/RNA-based detection of bacterial profiles to assess fertility, significantly improving measurement precision through objective, quantifiable microbial data while accepting increased diagnostic complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides, inter alia, methods for increasing fertility in a bovine animal, which methods include obtaining a microbiome profile for a bovine animal, quantifying the abundance of individual bacterial species, and determining whether the bovine animal exhibits a microbiome profile that is predictive of successful embryo implantation and, thereby, assessing the likelihood of a successful in vitro fertilization (IVF) derived embryo implantation, and pregnancy. In further aspects, the present disclosure provides microbiota supplementation treatment(s) to improve bovine fertility, and/or diagnostic test kits that are predictive of successful or unsuccessful embryo implantation and maintenance of pregnancy. Also provided are compositions and kits for use in those methods to obtain and quantify the microbiome profile of a bovine animal.