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Reproductive Engineering
Reproductive engineering is an interdisciplinary field encompassing scientific and technological approaches aimed at manipulating reproductive processes in animals or humans for diverse purposes, including but not limited to enhancing fertility, controlling genetic traits, and preventing inherited diseases. It encompasses a broad range of techniques and methodologies, such as assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like in vitro fertilization (IVF), embryo transfer, gamete manipulation, and gene editing.
The primary objective of reproductive engineering is to optimize and modify reproductive processes to improve reproductive outcomes and address various reproductive challenges. This field involves the collaboration of experts from different disciplines, including reproductive biologists, geneticists, clinicians, and engineers, who work together to develop innovative strategies and technologies for manipulating and intervening in reproductive systems.
Reproductive engineering finds applications in different domains. In livestock breeding, it plays a pivotal role in improving production traits and increasing the efficiency of animal reproduction. In the realm of wildlife conservation, reproductive engineering is employed to implement assisted breeding programs for endangered species and to maintain genetic diversity. Furthermore, in human reproductive health, it encompasses interventions to address infertility issues, develop effective contraception methods, and enable genetic modification to prevent or treat inherited disorders.
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Microfluidic technology for IVF applications
Recent advancements in science and technology have revolutionized in vitro fertilization (IVF) as a treatment for infertility. The success of IVF depends on the efficiency of each step, and microfluidics technology is emerging as a valuable tool to enhance the process. Microfluidics enables the miniaturization and customization of laboratory techniques, offering benefits in gamete handling, sperm collection and sorting, embryo culture, cryopreservation, and microfluidics fabrication. This review provides an overview of the applications of microfluidics in different stages of IVF, highlighting their benefits and limitations.
Thapa, S., & Heo, Y. S. (2019). Microfluidic technology for in vitro fertilization (IVF). JMST Advances, 1, 1-11.
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EDTA Optimization in ICR Mouse Embryo Culture
This study optimized in vitro culture media for outbred stock mice embryos using different concentrations of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). A concentration of 200 µM EDTA was identified as optimal. The optimized media were evaluated in both large volume and micro-droplet culture systems. The blastocyst development rates were significantly higher in the micro-droplet culture system (73.9%) compared to the large volume system (0.4-57.6%). Conclusion: 200 µM EDTA in 10 µl droplets of KSOM medium provided the most suitable culture conditions for outbred stock mouse embryos.
Thapa, S., Kang, S. H., & Heo, Y. S. (2021). Optimized culture systems for the preimplantation ICR mouse embryos with wide range of EDTA concentrations. Royal Society Open Science, 8(4), 201752.
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Optimizing Glucose and Lactate Assay for Mouse Embryos
A fluorometric assay for glucose and lactate measurements was developed, enabling single substrate-based analysis. Linear calibration curves were obtained for glucose and lactate concentrations. The assay was applied to evaluate embryo quality, measure glucose and lactate levels in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice, and analyze clinical serum samples. Embryos at a later stage showed lower glycolytic activities. DIO mice exhibited higher glucose and lactate levels compared to normal mice. Clinical serum samples were categorized into normal, prediabetic, and diabetic groups based on glucose concentrations. The developed technique offers potential for assessing embryo quality and measuring glucose and lactate levels in various biological samples.
Thapa, S., & Heo, Y. S. (2022). Optimization of a Single Substrate-Based Fluorometric Assay for Glucose and Lactate Measurement to Assess Preimplantation Single Embryo Quality and Blood in Obese Mouse and Clinical Human Samples. Analytical Chemistry, 94(46), 16171-16179.
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