Label-free evaluation of mouse embryo quality using time-lapse bright field and optical coherence microscopy

Fei Wang; Senyue Hao; Kibeom Park; Ali Ahmady; Chao Zhou

doi:10.1038/s42003-025-08044-5

Label-free evaluation of mouse embryo quality using time-lapse bright field and optical coherence microscopy

Fei Wang, Senyue Hao, Kibeom Park, Ali Ahmady, Chao Zhou

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

The selection of high-quality embryos is essential to enhance the implantation rate for in vitro fertilization (IVF). Optical coherence microscopy (OCM) can noninvasively provide three-dimensional (3D) high-resolution imaging of developing embryos. The revealed microstructures can be used for accurate embryo evaluation. Here, we acquire time-lapse 3D OCM images with co-registered bright-field imaging on mouse embryo development from the one-cell stage to the fully hatched blastocyst inside an incubator. Our results demonstrate the capability of OCM to detect structural features of the developing embryos. The second and third embryonic cell cycles are indicated to be associated with blastocyst formation and the hatching capability. OCM-based time-lapse technology holds the potential to enrich early embryo development insights and streamline embryo selection within IVF clinics.

Original language	English
Article number	612
Journal	Communications Biology
Volume	8
Issue number	1
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-025-08044-5
State	Published - Dec 2025

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abstract = "The selection of high-quality embryos is essential to enhance the implantation rate for in vitro fertilization (IVF). Optical coherence microscopy (OCM) can noninvasively provide three-dimensional (3D) high-resolution imaging of developing embryos. The revealed microstructures can be used for accurate embryo evaluation. Here, we acquire time-lapse 3D OCM images with co-registered bright-field imaging on mouse embryo development from the one-cell stage to the fully hatched blastocyst inside an incubator. Our results demonstrate the capability of OCM to detect structural features of the developing embryos. The second and third embryonic cell cycles are indicated to be associated with blastocyst formation and the hatching capability. OCM-based time-lapse technology holds the potential to enrich early embryo development insights and streamline embryo selection within IVF clinics.",

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AU - Wang, Fei

AU - Hao, Senyue

AU - Park, Kibeom

AU - Ahmady, Ali

AU - Zhou, Chao

N1 - Publisher Copyright: © The Author(s) 2025.

PY - 2025/12

Y1 - 2025/12

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Label-free evaluation of mouse embryo quality using time-lapse bright field and optical coherence microscopy

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