Optimal Human Embryo Culture

Abstract

A large contributor to success during in vitro fertilization (IVF) lies in the processes occurring within the IVF laboratory. These processes make up the "culture system." This system entails numerous procedures and technical steps that must be optimized to produce a competent embryo. Notably, variations exist between programs that include differences in patient population, clinical stimulation, and other factors. Thus, a single "optimal" culture system to be utilized between all laboratories is likely not feasible. Rather, laboratory procedures should be optimized based on an individual laboratory's performance. That being said, within the scientific literature, there are key components, approaches, and techniques within the culture system that have been shown to be superior to alternatives. These key components important in improving embryo culture are discussed.

‘There is only one thing that is truly important in an IVF laboratory: everything’ Cairo Consensus Guidelines on IVF Culture Conditions

“…Little has changed since the statement 'It remains true in 2011 that there is no culture medium available that is truly optimized for human embryo development' (Harper et al, 2012 (Kastrop et al, 2007;Swain, 2015).…”

Microfluidic technology for in vitro fertilization (IVF)

“…Embryos are cultured individually or in groups and the culturing conditions vary according to the lab. The culturing media are usually covered with a mineral well to prevent evaporation [89,90]. Even though different media are developed and used, they can never fully imitate the culture environment of the oviduct.…”

Introductory Chapter: New Technologies for the Study of Embryo Cleavage

“…Embryonic quality, cleavage speed, and gene expression have a close relationship with in vitro culture environment, including culture media, incubator type, and gas concentration [31,32]. Thus, since starting embryo in vitro culture, many studies have concentrated on improving embryo culture condition.…”