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Researchers 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, led by Monash University, 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. 

A collaboration of reproductive science, reproductive medicine and AI specialists at UNSW, and Mechanical and Aerospace engineers at Monash University, are now working towards a prototype for clinical testing in humans. 

If successful, the technology has the potential to make embryo selection faster, safer and more affordable, while further improving IVF success rates, said lead UNSW researcher Dr Fabrizzio Horta, a UNSW senior lecturer, previously based at Monash University. 

“By integrating highly sophisticated and advanced technology into this microchip we can improve our ability to examine embryo viability at a far more affordable price, something that hasn't been possible before" Dr Horta said. 

“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 going through multiple rounds of IVF. Those cycles are terrible both emotionally and financially." 

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. 

By comparison, embryo selection is currently performed using standard optical microscopes, relying heavily on operator expertise to determine which embryos to select. Many people also rely on invasive, expensive and imperfect genetic testing of their embryos to further improve the selection process.

“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,” Dr Horta said. 

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. 

Dr Horta said the closest alternatives to the new device were complex and expensive research systems that could cost about $1 million and were 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. 

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.