Researchers at Monash University have developed a light-emitting microchip that can safely measure the energy produced by embryos, a key indicator of embryo health.
Published in the journal Human Reproduction, the research confirmed that advanced imaging technology can be integrated into a microchip for imaging of live mouse embryos. The technology could be used for selecting the healthiest embryos for implantation and subsequent healthy live birth.
To demonstrate these benefits in a clinical IVF setting, further work is currently being planned. A collaboration of reproductive science, reproductive medicine and AI specialists at UNSW Sydney, and Mechanical and Aerospace engineers at Monash University will continue supporting the technology with development towards a prototype for clinical testing in humans. If successful, the technology has the potential to make embryo selection faster and safer, while further improving IVF success rates.
The new device is a specially designed optical microchip the size of the kangaroo head on an Australian $1 coin. Using advanced micro lenses, it shines light onto individual embryos, measuring their energy without damaging them. The images are then analysed to determine the health of the embryos.
Currently, embryo selection is performed using standard optical microscopes, relying heavily on operator expertise and experience to determine which embryos to select. Many people are also choosing to rely on invasive, expensive and imperfect genetic testing of their embryos to further improve the selection process. Despite the time, cost and risk associated with these procedures, IVF is still only successful 30 per cent of the time and multiple treatment cycles are often needed before a baby is born.
Dr Fabrizzio Horta, lead researcher and reproductive scientist has moved to UNSW Sydney from Monash University to progress the research collaboration to clinical trials and AI technology development. Dr Horta said the closest alternative to the new device are complex and expensive research systems that could cost about $1 million and are not suitable for clinical use.
“The novel microchip can be produced for a fraction of that cost, which could enable the development of affordable, multi use devices compatible with the clinical IVF workflow, research and animal industries,” Dr Horta said.
“The device effectively enables us to reconstruct high-resolution images of an embryo’s metabolic activity, or energy, which may signal genetic or metabolic abnormalities. Currently the only alternative for advanced embryo selection in a clinical setting is via embryo biopsy for genetic testing, which is expensive, time consuming and an invasive procedure that could damage the embryos.
“Embryologists typically select embryos by eye, via a superficial examination under a microscope. With this device, we can examine an embryo, charting its cellular energy. This information could assist in selecting the healthiest embryo for treatment.”
Monash University has submitted the technology for patent filing based on its novel design and scalability. The research team is now working with Monash University and UNSW to investigate the potential of raising investment and forming a spinout company to commercialise the technology for global adoption.
“This technology will most impact our ability to examine embryo viability at an affordable price. But, we cannot integrate some advanced tech due to its complexities," Dr Horta said.
“The most important impact this technology will have is the ability to better examine the embryo viability at an affordable cost, but with significantly advanced technology that we have not been able to integrate clinically due to technology complexities.
This could potentially reduce the time it takes to achieve a healthy baby. It means that, when a couple starts IVF, they could succeed faster instead of, on average, going through multiple rounds of IVF. Those cycles are terrible both emotionally and financially."
Read the paper here: DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae249
Dr Fabrizzio Horta is available for interview.
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