G.K Adaniya

First pregnancies and livebirths from transfer of sodium alginate encapsulated embryos in a rodent model

OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of sodium alginate encapsulation of rodent embryos on in vitro embryonic cleavage rates, implantation rates, and livebirth rates, and to find the in vivo degradation time for the capsules. DESIGN Studies were conducted using both CB6F1 mice and Golden Syrian hamsters. RESULTS Capsules made with 3.0% sodium alginate degraded in vivo within 24 to 48 hours after transfer. In vitro embryonic cleavage of encapsulated embryos was not impaired, nor were implantation rates in CB6F1 mice. Finally, 8.6% of transferred encapsulated embryos resulted in livebirths. CONCLUSIONS Encapsulation of rodent embryos in 3.0% sodium alginate is not detrimental to embryonic development, implantation rates, or fetal development. Because the capsule degrades within 48 hours after transfer, encapsulating embryos may be beneficial for human in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer.

In Vitro Fertilization in the Office Setting

Since the birth of the first child conceived using the process of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in 1978, many thousands of children have been born worldwide through this fascinating procedure. In the early days of IVF, only a few highly specialized centers around the world were prepared to perform the dramatic surgical procedure involving the recovery of oocytes. At the same time, behind the scenes a highly skilled team of biologists waited patiently to receive and prepare the oocytes for in vitro insemination. Although the emotional intensity involved with each IVF procedure performed remains constant, over time the process itself has been greatly simplified. In fact, over the past 20 years, IVF has become increasingly successful, all the while becoming less expensive and less invasive.