NU 2010-048
Inventors
Alison Kin
Thomas O'Halloran*
Teresa Woodruff*
Miranda Lee Bernhardt
Betty Kong
Emily Que
Short Description
A simple assay to predict oocyte fertilization and embryo quality.
Abstract
Northwestern researchers have developed a non-invasive, colorimetric assay for predicting embryo quality and oocyte fertilization. The assay relies on the occurrence of zinc sparks which are zinc secretion events that occur at fertilization. Currently, egg quality assessments for in vitro fertilization are based upon morphological parameters which are not entirely consistent or easily standardized. While spindle morphology can be noninvasively monitored with birefringence imaging, this particular technology is cost-prohibitive. The Northwestern investigators propose the use of colorimetric probes for zinc as a simple and cost-effective method to easily monitor fertilization and to assess the developmental potential of the embryo.
Applications
Advantages
Publications
Kim AM, Bernhardt ML, Kong BY, Ahn RW, Vogt S, Woodruff TK and O'Halloran TV (2011) Zinc sparks are triggered by fertilization and facilitate cell cycle resumption in mammalian eggs. ACS Chemical Biology. 6: 716-723.
IP Status
US patent application has been filed.