The growth of animal reproductive technologies including in vitro fertilization, transgenic animals and cloning has been dramatic in recent years. However, a parallel growth in physical tools to aid and further advance these techniques to practical use has not occurred. One specific problem that we have identified and will address in this proposal is the development of new technology for the study and facilitation of in vitro embryo culture. Embryo culture represents a critical step in many animal reproductive techniques such as genetic improvement, selective breeding and genome manipulation including marker-assisted selection embryo genotyping, embryo transfer, embryo manipulation, embryo cryopreservation, gene transfer and cloning. The potential impact of improved embryo culture efficiencies is clear. For example, embryo transfer involving cattle, sheep, goats, deer and swine is an approximately $20 billion/year industry worldwide. The focus of this proposal is a research and development effort aimed at understanding the key issues relevant to the development and use of a novel embryo culture system for increased yield.
Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications of Research::We will develop methods for fabricating micro culture systems capable of retaining multiple embryos in uniquely identified locations while dynamically controlling the local fluid environment surrounding the embryo. Dynamic miniaturized culture systems have several potential advantages over traditional culture methods. The ability to monitor thousands of individual pre-implantation embryos and their secretions while controlling the buffer composition should lead to increased culture efficiencies. In addition, the proposed miniaturized systems will use smaller quantities of buffer and expensive additives leading to significant cost savings. We will work closely with expensive additives leading to significant cost savings. We will work closely with Infigen, Inc., a Division of American Breeders Service, to ensure commercial relevance.
