Applications of omics and nanotechnology to improve pig embryo production in vitro

Abstract

An appropriate environment to optimize porcine preimplantation embryo production in vitro is required as genetically modified pigs have become indispensable for biomedical research and agriculture. To provide suitable culture conditions, omics technologies have been applied to elucidate which metabolic substrates and pathways are involved during early developmental processes. Metabolomic profiling and transcriptional analysis comparing in vivo‐ and in vitro‐derived embryos have demonstrated the important role of amino acids during preimplantation development. Transcriptional profiling studies have been helpful in assessing epigenetic reprogramming agents to allow for the correction of gene expression during the cloning process. Along with this, nanotechnology, which is a highly promising field, has allowed for the use of engineered nanoplatforms in reproductive biology. A growing number of studies have explored the use of nanoengineered materials for sorting, labeling, and targeting purposes; which demonstrates their potential to become one of the solutions for precise delivery of molecules into gametes and embryos. Considering the contributions of omics and the recent progress in nanoscience, in this review, we focused on their emerging applications for current in vitro pig embryo production systems to optimize the generation of genetically modified animals.

Benefits and challenges of nanomaterials in assisted reproductive technologies

“…This data shows that lipid nucleic nanoparticles, which have an organogel in their nucleus and acts as a second diffusional barrier for the release of melatonin, increases the protective effects of melatonin against oxidative stress and cell apoptosis during in vitro culture of bovine embryos (Jäger et al, 2009). These studies show the potential of using of nanoparticles in the delivery of different biomolecules during in vitro culture of embryos (Lucas et al, 2019). Komninou et al (2016) reported that bovine embryos cultured in the presence of melatonin-loaded lipid-core nanoparticles had the highest hatching when compared to nonencapsulated melatonin, melatonin-loaded polymeric nanocapsules.…”

“…This data shows that lipid nucleic nanoparticles, which have an organogel in their nucleus and acts as a second diffusional barrier for the release of melatonin, increases the protective effects of melatonin against oxidative stress and cell apoptosis during in vitro culture of bovine embryos (Jäger et al, 2009). These studies show the potential of using of nanoparticles in the delivery of different biomolecules during in vitro culture of embryos (Lucas et al, 2019).…”

Modified Spirulina maxima Pectin Nanoparticles Improve the Developmental Competence of In Vitro Matured Porcine Oocytes

“…Given the importance of genetically modified pigs in biomedical research, an ideal environment for porcine preimplantation embryo development in vitro is required. Interdisciplinary investigations between biology and nanotechnology may solve some problems associated with biological applications, particularly IVP in pigs [ 2 ]. To provide proper culture conditions during IVP, omics technologies are being applied to discover the metabolic substrates that are activated during early embryonic processes.…”

“…Nanotechnology is a promising technique owing to its increasing applicability in economically areas, such as agriculture, industry, medicine, and public health [ 1 , 2 ]. Nanotechnology has been applied to improve animal production and health using different approaches [ 3 , 4 ].…”

Evidence of haptoglobin in the porcine female genital tract during oestrous cycle and its effect on in vitro embryo production

“…A significant effect was observed in haptoglobin-incubated blastocyst compared to the control group, and no impairment in blastocyst quality in terms of the total number cells per blastocyst or their size. Several studies have evaluated the supplementation of IVM-IVF-IVC systems with different molecules (reviewed in 30 , 64 ), including natural fluids, such as oviductal fluid 26 , 65 – 68 or exosomes 69 , finding an increase in the efficiency of IVF and/or the quality of embryos. However, in our study, the percentage of improvement achieved in IVP compared to the control group (haptoglobin: 64.50% vs. control: 37.83%) is one of the greater observed differences 70 – 75 .…”