Oocyte Competence Benchmarking via Membrane Permeability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current assisted reproduction technologies lack a continuous, objective, and real-time method to predict oocyte competency, leading to wastage of valuable biological material due to subjective assessment methods.
Innovation Solution
A method for determining oocyte developmental competence by assessing plasma membrane permeability and cellular resistance using electrical parameters, allowing real-time benchmarking of oocytes based on their potential to support embryo development.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional morphological assessment or subjective parameters are used to evaluate oocyte quality, then the assessment process is simple and non-invasive, but the prediction accuracy of oocyte competency is low and lacks objectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective morphological assessment with objective electrical measurements. Specifically, it uses electrical resistance measurements and plasma membrane permeability assessments to evaluate oocyte quality, substituting the mechanical/visual assessment system with an electrical measurement system that provides quantitative, objective data on oocyte competency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces new measurement parameters (electrical resistance, plasma membrane permeability) to assess oocyte quality. By measuring the electrical resistance of the oocyte membrane and its permeability to fluorescent dyes, the system transforms the assessment from subjective morphological evaluation to objective quantification of physiological parameters that directly reflect oocyte competency.
2Reliability
If a high number of oocytes are retrieved and inseminated to identify viable embryos, then the probability of establishing pregnancy increases, but the wastage of valuable biological material increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary assessment of oocyte quality before insemination using electrical resistance and plasma membrane permeability measurements. By evaluating oocyte competency in advance through these objective parameters, the system identifies high-quality oocytes that are most likely to result in viable embryos, allowing clinicians to prioritize these oocytes for insemination and reduce the number of low-quality oocytes that would otherwise be wasted.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides real-time feedback on oocyte quality through quantitative electrical measurements. The system continuously monitors electrical resistance and membrane permeability parameters, giving immediate feedback on oocyte competency status. This feedback mechanism enables dynamic selection and optimization of oocytes for ART procedures, improving success rates while minimizing wastage.
3Measurement precision
If disruptive techniques are used to assess oocyte quality, then measurement data can be obtained, but the biological material is damaged and cannot be used for subsequent treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses fluorescent dyes as intermediaries to assess plasma membrane permeability without directly damaging the oocyte. The dyes serve as mediators that interact with the membrane to provide measurement data while the oocyte remains viable. This intermediary approach allows objective assessment of membrane integrity and permeability without the need for disruptive mechanical or chemical interventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces disruptive mechanical assessment techniques with electrical measurement methods. By using electrical resistance measurements and fluorescent dye uptake assays, the system obtains objective data on oocyte quality without applying mechanical stress or physical damage to the cell structure, preserving the oocyte for subsequent ART procedures.
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
Enables accurate, real-time prediction of oocyte quality, reducing the number of oocytes needed for successful ART treatments and improving success rates by optimizing oocyte utilization.
Implementation Method 1
determination of relative extents of respective plasma membrane permeabilities of a first oocyte and a second oocyte... based on one or more measurements of relative extents of one or more electrical parameters
Implementation Method 2
uptake of fluorescent dyes to determine intracellular activity of organelles
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure proposes a method for benchmarking of two or more mammalian oocytes in terms of their comparative extents of potential for supporting subsequent embryo development relative to one another. The method comprises determination of relative extents of respective plasma membrane permeabilities of a first oocyte and a second oocyte with regard to one another. The method further comprises sorting the first oocyte and the second oocyte in accordance with their relative extents of respective plasma membrane permeabilities, such that one of the first oocyte and the second oocyte with a relatively lower plasma-membrane permeability is benchmarked as having a relatively greater extent of potential for supporting a subsequent embryo development.