WO2018191519A1

WO2018191519A1 - Embryo selection system and method of use

Info

Publication number: WO2018191519A1
Application number: PCT/US2018/027336
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert Rangel
Original assignee: Robert Rangel
Priority date: 2017-04-12
Filing date: 2018-04-12
Publication date: 2018-10-18

Abstract

A system for selecting embryos includes a measurement chamber with a first open end and a second open end, the measurement chamber having one or more transparent portions; a transparent medium having a known density and filling the measurement chamber; the known density is formulated to be non-hostile to an embryo; a storage platform, having a body; and retainers fixedly attached to the body and opening to an exterior of the body; the receptacles are to receive one or more embryos, each of the receptacles having a lid to securely open and close via a mating seal; one or more axels to position the storage platform in a position relative to the measurement chamber; a first sensor to face through the one or more transparent portions; a processor in digital communication with the first sensor; the first sensor is to measure data associated with an embryo descending through the measurement chamber; the processor is to receive the data from the first sensor; the processor is to determine embryo viability based off of the data; and the receptacles receive one or more embryos from the measurement chamber.

Description

EMBRYO SELECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to animal breeding, and more specifically, to fertilization methods for ensuring a viable and genetically desirable offspring.

2. Description of Related Art

[0002] Animal breeding is well known in the art and are effective means to select desirable traits through controlled interaction between a male and female animal. For example, FIG. 1 depicts a conventional fertilization method 101 including selecting a male and female to mate 103, mating the selected animals 105, allowing the females eggs to fertilize and become embryos 107, flushing the females uterus to extract the embryos 109, implanting a portion of the extracted embryos 1 1 1 , freezing the remainder for later use 1 13 and implanting the remaining embryos at a later time for another offspring 1 15.

[0003] One of the problems commonly associated with system 101 is it limited efficiency. For example, this method does not allow for selecting desirable traits other than through selecting the animals. Additionally, some of the embryos can be damaged during the handling and freezing phases and become unviable or undesirable.

[0004] Accordingly, although great strides have been made in the area of fertilization methods, many shortcomings remain.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The novel features believed characteristic of the embodiments of the present application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the embodiments themselves, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a common fertilization method; FIG. 2 is a front view of an embryo selection system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 3 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the system of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the preferred method of use of the system of FIG. 2.

[0006] While the system and method of use of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0007] Illustrative embodiments of the system and method of use of the present application are provided below. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0008] The system and method of use in accordance with the present application overcomes one or more of the above-discussed problems commonly associated with conventional fertilization methods. Specifically, the system of the present application enables quantifiable measurements of embryos that facilitate selecting desirable offspring. In addition, damaged or unviable embryos can be removed from those to be implanted in the female. These and other unique features of the system and method of use are discussed below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. [0009] The system and method of use will be understood, both as to its structure and operation, from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description. Several embodiments of the system are presented herein. It should be understood that various components, parts, and features of the different embodiments may be combined together and/or interchanged with one another, all of which are within the scope of the present application, even though not all variations and particular embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the mixing and matching of features, elements, and/or functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that the features, elements, and/or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as appropriate, unless described otherwise.

[0010] The preferred embodiment herein described is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It is chosen and described to explain the principles of the invention and its application and practical use to enable others skilled in the art to follow its teachings.

[0011] Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters identify corresponding or similar elements throughout the several views, FIG. 2 depicts a front view of an embryo selection system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application. It will be appreciated that system 201 overcomes one or more of the above-listed problems commonly associated with conventional fertilization methods.

[0012] In the contemplated embodiment, system 201 includes a measurement chamber 203 in fluid communication with a storage platform 205 that enables embryos 207 to be tested and stored for later selection.

[0013] The measurement chamber 203 including a first open end 209 and a second open end 229. The chamber 203 having a transparent portion 21 1 composed of transparent material, integral to and passing through at least two sides of the chamber 203. A first sensor 213 is rigidly attached at the top end 215 of the transparent portion 21 1 . A second sensor 217 is rigidly attached at the bottom end 219 of the transparent portion 21 1 . The sensors 213, 217 are in digital communication with a processor 221 that monitors the sensors for disruptions and records the time between the interruptions. The chamber 203 being filled with a transparent medium 225 of known density and amiable to the survival of the embryos 207. One contemplated sensor is a laser and one contemplated material for use in the transparent portion 21 1 is fiber optic wire, however it should be appreciated that other sensors and/or materials could be used. It should further be appreciated that processor 221 can be any device or system capable of receiving information from lasers 213, 217 for monitoring, one contemplated system is an amplifier configured to transmit information to a logic board for further calculations and information display.

[0014] The storage platform 205 including a plurality of receptacles 223 for storing embryos removably attached to a generally circular body 301 . Referring now to FIG. 3 each receptacle 223 having a mating seal 301 at an opening 303. The receptacles 223 including a lid 305 removably attached over the opening 303. The receptacles 223 in removable communication with the storage platform 205 via a holder 307. While holder 307 is depicted as a press fit rubber pad any device for holding the receptacles 223 in the storage platform 205 is contemplated. The storage platform 205 is rotationally attached to a stand 227 via an axel 231 . The receptacles 223 being filled with transparent medium 225.

[0015] Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B the system 201 is depicted including stand 227 supporting measurement chamber 203 and storage platform 205. Chamber 203 having a bottom door 401 retractably attached to the support 227 via a spring loaded extension arm 405 at the bottom end 403 of the compartment 209. As storage platform 205 is removed the door 401 follows behind, closing the compartment 209 preventing the loss of transparent medium 225. It will be appreciated that receptacles 223 should be able to accept indicia that associate the contained embryo with the results of the test performed.

[0016] It should be appreciated that one of the unique features believed characteristic of the present application is the storage platform 205 that enables the separation of embryos so that they can be selected based on the results of the test. It will also be appreciated that the generally circular shape of the body 301 enables the body to act as a seal while the measurement chamber 203 prevents loss of transparent medium 225 while changing receptacles 223 between tests.

[0017] Referring now to FIG. 5 an alternative embodiment of the system 201 is depicted. Embodiment 501 including a measurement chamber 203 in fluid communication with a storage platform 503.

[0018] The storage platform 503 including a plurality of receptacles 505 rigidly attached to each other. Each receptacle 505 having a mating seal 507 rigidly attached to an opening 509. It will be appreciated that the transition between receptacles 505 could be manual or automatic. It will be further appreciated that animal breeding occurs across the globe and that excessive cost of the equipment would preclude use in a large portion of the world and that having the transition performed by a user would reduce the cost of the system 501 .

[0019] Referring now to FIG. 6 the preferred method of use of the system 201 is depicted. Method 601 including loading an embryo in the measurement chamber 603, allowing the embryo to pass through the measurement chamber via the transparent medium 605, detecting the movement of the embryo within the medium via the first and second sensors 607, determining properties of the embryo via the processor and sensor readings 609, allowing the embryo to exit the measurement chamber 61 1 , moving the position of the platform with respect to the measurement chamber to receive additional embryos in the platforms' receptacles as the embryos exit the measurement chamber 613 and sealing each of the receptacles after it has received an embryo 615.

[0020] The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the embodiments may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. Although the present embodiments are shown above, they are not limited to just these embodiments, but are amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.

Claims

What is claimed;

1 . A system for selecting embryos comprising:

a measurement chamber with a first open end and a second open end, the measurement chamber having:

one or more transparent portions;

a transparent medium having a known density and filling the measurement chamber;

wherein the known density is formulated to be non-hostile to an embryo; a storage platform, having:

a body; and

a plurality of retainers fixedly attached to the body and opening to an exterior of the body;

a plurality of receptacles configured to receive one or more embryos, each of the plurality of receptacles having:

a lid configured to securely open and close via a mating seal; one or more axels configured to position the storage platform in a position relative to the measurement chamber;

a first sensor configured to face through the one or more transparent portions; a processor in digital communication with the first sensor;

wherein the first sensor is configured to measure data associated with an embryo descending through the measurement chamber;

wherein the processor is configured to receive the data from the first sensor; wherein the processor is configured to determine embryo viability based off of the data; and

wherein the plurality of receptacles receive one or more embryos from the measurement chamber.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the storage platform moves about the axels to separate the one or more received embryos among the plurality of receptacles.

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of receptacles is sealed via its respective lid and mating seal and are configured to be removed from the system after receiving the one or more embryos.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein:

the body is a circle;

the one or more axels rotatably secures the measurement chamber to the storage platform; and

the storage platform rotates about the axis to separate the one or more received embryos among the platform's plurality of receptacles.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein:

the storage platform is substantially linear; and

the one or more axels moves platform linearly with respect to the storage platform.

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first sensor is a laser.

7. The system of claim 1 , further comprising:

a second sensor in digital communication with the processor.

8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the data comprises:

a cell buoyancy determined by a descent time of the embryo through the measurement chamber.

9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the data comprises:

a mean;

a median;

a standard deviation; and

a regression; wherein the data is determined based off of a plurality of embryos descending through the measurement chamber.

10. The system of claim 1 , wherein the data is configured to determined a qualitative assessment of the embryo.

1 1 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the data is configured to determine whether a plurality of chemical components of the embryo are at expected levels for normal growth, development, and viability.

12. The system of claim 1 , wherein the data is configured to determine whether the embryo is viable or non-viable; and

wherein the data is configured to determine a fertilization stage of the embryo.

13. The system of claim 1 , wherein the data is configured to be analyzed for a survival possibility of the embryo.

14. A method for selecting embryos comprising:

providing the system of claim 1 ;

loading one or more embryos into the measurement chamber;

allowing the one or more embryos to pass through the measurement chamber via the transparent medium;

detecting the movement of the one or more embryos within the medium via the first sensor;

determining one or more properties of the one or more embryos via the processor and data determined by the first sensor;

allowing the one or more embryos to exit the measurement chamber;

moving the position of the platform with respect to the measurement chamber to receive the one or more embryos among the platforms plurality of receptacles as the embryos exit the measurement chamber; and

sealing each of the plurality of receptacles after it has received an embryo.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

determining a qualitative assessment of the one or more embryos;

wherein the qualitative assessment provides data relating to buoyancy, weight, and descent time.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

measuring a chemical component for the one or more embryos;

wherein the chemical component is used to determine expected levels of growth, development, viability, and cryodamage of the one or more embryos.

17. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

determining a stage of fertilization of the one or more embryos.

18. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

recording data associated with the one or more embryos for monitoring and analysis.