NU 2010-048

Inventors

Alison Kin

Thomas O'Halloran*

Teresa Woodruff*

Miranda Lee Bernhardt

Betty Kong

Emily Que

Short Description

A simple assay to predict oocyte fertilization and embryo quality.

Abstract

Northwestern researchers have developed a non-invasive, colorimetric assay for predicting embryo quality and oocyte fertilization. The assay relies on the occurrence of zinc sparks which are zinc secretion events that occur at fertilization. Currently, egg quality assessments for in vitro fertilization are based upon morphological parameters which are not entirely consistent or easily standardized. While spindle morphology can be noninvasively monitored with birefringence imaging, this particular technology is cost-prohibitive. The Northwestern investigators propose the use of colorimetric probes for zinc as a simple and cost-effective method to easily monitor fertilization and to assess the developmental potential of the embryo.

Applications

• In vitro fertilization

Advantages

• Noninvasive method
• Simple and inexpensive
• Provides confirmation of fertilization
• Predicts developmental potential of resulting embryo
• Avoids disruption of egg’s intracellular environment

Publications

Kim AM, Bernhardt ML, Kong BY, Ahn RW, Vogt S, Woodruff TK and O'Halloran TV (2011) Zinc sparks are triggered by fertilization and facilitate cell cycle resumption in mammalian eggs. ACS Chemical Biology. 6: 716-723.

IP Status

US patent application has been filed.