A 3D hologram of an early-stage embryo. Credit: University of Adelaide.
Key Points:
- For the first time, researchers have created 3D holographic images of an embryo.
- The images, which are non-invasive, could help clinicians choose which embryos have the highest chance of survival during IVF.
- The technology relies on a miniscule amount of light, even less than a typical smartphone.
In a world-first, researchers from the University of Adelaide have created 3D holographic images of an embryo using miniscule amounts of light in a fraction of a second.
Currently, in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinics assess embryo quality by visual inspection or an invasive biopsy. However, these approaches have failed to improve the success rate of IVF, which has remained stagnant for more than a decade.
The new 3D holographic images provide insights into the embryo by identifying detailed features. The researchers say this could augment conventional visual assessment for embryo quality in an IVF clinic, allowing an embryologist to make an informed decision on the selection of best quality embryos.
“Optical technologies hold immense promise to unravel the metabolism and health of the embryo. This gentle, non-invasive approach could lead to improved IVF success,” said lead author Kylie Dunning.
The 3D holographic method is also non-invasive, a benefit over current conventional methods.
“This technology uses miniscule amounts of light—less than that from your smartphone—to allow rapid visualization of the embryo in a fraction of a second,” said team member Kishan Dholakia.
Data from 2020 show that the success rates of IVF range from a live birth rate of 39 percent per embryo transfer for patients under 34 years, to a live birth rate of 6 percent per embryo transfer for patients over 43 years. In 2018, it was estimated that 8 million babies had been born through IVF since the world’s first in 1978.
The team aims to have the technology, which is being developed through research using a preclinical model, available in 5 years.