Secretome Profiling for Embryo Selection in IVF
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current IVF techniques face low implantation success rates, particularly with increasing maternal age, due to inadequate embryo selection methods, often resulting in multiple embryo transfers and associated complications.
Innovation Solution
A system for predicting developmental competence and viability of embryos through secretome profiling, which involves analyzing proteins in the culture media using mass spectroscopy or ELISA to identify proteins linked to implantation success, and recommending optimal embryo implantation based on this data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple embryos are transferred to improve pregnancy success rate, then pregnancy success rate increases, but risk of multiple pregnancies and complications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces morphological assessment with secretome profiling using mass spectrometry or ELISA to detect proteins in culture media. This biochemical analysis system substitutes the traditional visual grading method, enabling precise identification of embryos with high implantation potential through protein biomarker detection rather than mechanical observation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the selection parameter from morphological characteristics (visual appearance, cell structure) to secretome profile parameters (protein composition, concentration ratios of specific proteins). This parameter transformation enables differentiation of embryo quality based on biochemical signatures, allowing selection of the single most viable embryo for transfer.
2Ease of operation
If morphological grading is used to select embryos, then selection process is simple, but implantation success rate remains low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces culture media as an intermediary that collects and concentrates embryo-secreted proteins. The media acts as a bridge between the embryo and the analysis system, allowing indirect assessment of embryo quality through protein analysis rather than direct embryo examination. This intermediary approach enables reliable quality assessment while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical visual grading system with a biochemical detection system using mass spectrometry or ELISA. This substitution transforms embryo selection from a subjective morphological assessment to an objective protein-based diagnostic process, significantly improving implantation success rates while maintaining ease of operation through automated analysis.
3Adaptability or versatility
If advanced maternal age is considered, then realistic expectations are set, but implantation success rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality assessment by analyzing the specific secretome profile of each individual embryo rather than applying general age-based statistics. This localized biochemical fingerprinting identifies unique protein markers that indicate implantation potential regardless of maternal age, allowing personalized embryo selection that adapts to age-related changes in egg quality.
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 enhances pregnancy success rates by improving embryo selection, reducing the need for multiple embryo transfers, and minimizing the risk of multiple pregnancies while achieving higher overall pregnancy success rates comparable to those using donor eggs.
Implementation Method 1
analyzing proteins in the culture media using mass spectroscopy or ELISA to identify proteins linked to implantation success
Implementation Method 2
analyzing proteins in the culture media using mass spectroscopy or ELISA to identify proteins linked to implantation success
Data Source
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AI summary
Secretome profiling improves the pregnancy success rate of in vitro fertilization processes, while reducing the risk of multiple births.