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A breakthrough technology developed by the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) called METAPHOR allows for the visualization of embryo metabolism to improve the success rates of in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures. By generating 3D images that show the colors present in the embryo, the method can accurately monitor the health and viability of embryos and oocytes. Through the use of naturally fluorescent compounds in the metabolism, METAPHOR provides a non-invasive and reliable way to select the most viable embryos for implantation, potentially doubling success rates compared to traditional methods.
Published in PNAS, the study conducted by the IBEC team demonstrated the high accuracy of METAPHOR in selecting viable embryos and oocytes, even discriminating between young and older oocytes with 96% accuracy. The technology is based on hyperspectral microscopy and artificial intelligence methods, allowing for the rapid analysis and classification of metabolic images in just a few minutes. The team is now working on fine-tuning the technology for human embryos and plans to bring METAPHOR to assisted reproduction clinics in the near future through a spin-off company.
The practical implications of METAPHOR are significant as it has the potential to reduce the time to pregnancy, increase success rates, and alleviate the economic and psychological burden on patients undergoing IVF treatments. By assessing embryo metabolism and physiological characteristics, the technology represents a major advancement in the field of reproductive health and fertility management.
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