A collaborative study between the University of Tehran’s Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Reproductive Sciences Center of Royan Research Institute has led to the creation of a groundbreaking electrical microsensor designed to assess the quality of mouse eggs. This device evaluates three critical electrical parameters of the egg: the membrane’s electrical properties, the egg’s radius, and the thickness of the zona pellucida, the protective layer surrounding the egg. The findings of this research were published in the prestigious journal Lab Chip in 2024.
To gauge the effectiveness of this new technology, the microsensor’s predictions were compared to those made by an experienced embryologist. The results demonstrated that the microsensor could reliably predict egg quality, potentially revolutionizing egg evaluation processes. This development is expected to significantly benefit fertility research and assisted reproductive technologies by providing more efficient and accurate methods for egg assessment.
In a related development, Mohammad Hossein Nasr Esfahani, head of the biotechnology department at Royan Research Institute in Isfahan, discussed the rising trend of egg freezing in Iran. He stressed the importance of women in their 30s undergoing tests like Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) assessments to gauge their egg reserves. For women who are not yet married or those facing a decline in ovarian reserve due to age, egg freezing offers a viable option to preserve fertility for future use.
However, Esfahani noted that while egg freezing presents opportunities for women with reduced ovarian reserves, it does not guarantee successful pregnancies. He shared insights into the fertilization process, revealing that approximately 70% of eggs collected are fertilized, and around 65% of fertilized eggs will develop into three-day embryos. Of those, roughly 35% will continue to grow into five-day embryos, with a pregnancy success rate of about 40% following a five-day embryo transfer.
This technological advancement, coupled with the increasing accessibility of egg freezing, provides women with more options to preserve fertility, helping them plan for future pregnancies despite the challenges posed by aging.
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